Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Olivia Newton-John

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Olivia Newton-John made an impact.

Dame Olivia Newton-John (1948-2022) was a highly successful British-Australian singer and actress. Renowned for her iconic role in the film "Grease" and numerous hit songs like "Physical," she sold over 100 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time and the highest-selling female Australian recording artist. Her career spanned decades and included accolades such as multiple Grammy Awards and American Music Awards. She was also a dedicated activist for cancer awareness, having battled the disease for many years.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1964: Acting recognition and television appearances

In 1964, Olivia Newton-John's acting talent was recognized as Lady Mary Lasenby in The Admirable Crichton, and she became a regular on Australian television shows, including Time for Terry and HSV-7's The Happy Show. She also appeared on The Go!! Show, meeting Pat Carroll and John Farrar.

1965: Co-starring in "Funny Things Happen Down Under"

In 1965, Olivia Newton-John co-starred with Ian Turpie in the musical film "Funny Things Happen Down Under".

1965: Talent contest win on Sing, Sing, Sing

In 1965, Olivia Newton-John won a talent contest on the television program Sing, Sing, Sing, performing "Anyone Who Had a Heart" and "Everything's Coming Up Roses".

1966: First Single Recording

In 1966, Olivia Newton-John recorded her first single, "Till You Say You'll Be Mine", in Britain for Decca Records.

1970: Involvement with Toomorrow

In 1970, Olivia Newton-John was involved with the group Toomorrow, starring in the science fiction musical Toomorrow and recording an accompanying soundtrack album. The group also released two singles that year: "You're My Baby Now"/"Goin' Back" and "I Could Never Live Without Your Love"/"Roll Like a River".

1971: Release of debut album

In 1971, Olivia Newton-John released her first solo album, If Not for You. The title track became her first international hit. She also released "Banks of the Ohio" as a single and made appearances on Cliff Richard's show, starring in the telefilm The Case with him.

1971: Release of "If Not for You" and "Banks of the Ohio"

In 1971, Olivia Newton-John released the singles "If Not for You" and "Banks of the Ohio".

1971: Back to Basics: The Essential Collection 1971–1992

In 1992, Olivia Newton-John was primed for another comeback when she compiled her third hits collection, Back to Basics: The Essential Collection 1971–1992

1972: Release of "What Is Life"

In 1972, Olivia Newton-John released the single "What Is Life" with minimal impact in the United States and released single "Take Me Home, Country Roads" with little success.

November 1973: Release of 'Let Me Be There' Album

In November 1973, Olivia Newton-John released her third studio album 'Let Me Be There', which was retitled 'Music Makes My Day' in Britain.

1973: Meeting Lee Kramer

In 1973, Olivia Newton-John met British businessman Lee Kramer, who became her boyfriend and manager, while vacationing on the French Riviera.

1973: Release and success of "Let Me Be There"

In 1973, Olivia Newton-John released "Let Me Be There", which reached the American top 10 and earned her a Grammy for Best Country Female.

1974: Number-one album: If You Love Me, Let Me Know

In 1974, Olivia Newton-John had a number-one album on the Billboard 200 with If You Love Me, Let Me Know.

1974: Eurovision Song Contest

In 1974, Olivia Newton-John represented the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Long Live Love", finishing fourth.

1974: "I Honestly Love You" Grammy win

In 1974, Olivia Newton-John won a Grammy for "I Honestly Love You".

1974: Success of "I Honestly Love You" and British Country Music Association Award

In 1974, Olivia Newton-John's album, If You Love Me, Let Me Know, reached No. 1 and she released single "I Honestly Love You" which became her signature song and earned her two more Grammys. She also received the British Country Music Association Award for "Female Vocalist of the Year".

1974: Country Music Association Award Controversy

In 1974, Olivia Newton-John's success in country music sparked debate, with purists questioning a foreigner singing country music being classed with Nashville artists. She won the Country Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year award.

April 1975: Record deal with MCA

In April 1975, Olivia Newton-John and MCA entered into an initial two-year, four-album deal in which she was expected to deliver two LPs a year for the record company.

1975: ABC special appearance

In 1975, Olivia Newton-John appeared on the ABC special John Denver - A Rocky Mountain Christmas, where she performed a duet of “Fly Away” with John Denver and “Let It Shine”.

1975: Number-one album: Have You Never Been Mellow

In 1975, Olivia Newton-John had a number-one album on the Billboard 200 with Have You Never Been Mellow.

1975: Release of "Have You Never Been Mellow"

In 1975, Olivia Newton-John released the single "Have You Never Been Mellow".

November 1976: Headlined first US television special

In November 1976, Olivia Newton-John headlined her first US television special, A Special Olivia Newton-John.

1976: Recording Don't Stop Believin' in Nashville

In 1976, Olivia Newton-John recorded her album Don't Stop Believin' in Nashville, Tennessee, after being supported by the country music community.

1977: Linda Ronstadt's Billboard success

In 1977, Linda Ronstadt became the first woman to have two singles in the Billboard top 5 simultaneously before Newton-John matched this achievement the following year.

1977: Release of "Sam" and Greatest Hits album

In 1977, Olivia Newton-John released the single "Sam", which returned her to No. 1 on the AC chart, and her Greatest Hits album became her first platinum album.

1977: Release of "Sam"

In 1977, Olivia Newton-John released the single "Sam".

May 1978: Breach-of-contract actions against MCA

On 31 May 1978, Olivia Newton-John and MCA each filed breach-of-contract actions against the other. Newton-John sued for $10 million and claimed that MCA's failure to adequately promote and advertise her product freed her from their agreement. MCA's countersuit requested $1 million in damages and an injunction against Newton-John working with another music firm.

November 1978: Release of 'Totally Hot'

In November 1978, Olivia Newton-John released her studio album, Totally Hot, which became her first solo top 10 album since Have You Never Been Mellow. The album and its singles demonstrated a more aggressive and uptempo sound, with the B-side "Dancin' 'Round and 'Round" becoming her last charted solo Country airplay single.

1978: Grease's success

In 1978, Grease became the biggest box-office hit. The soundtrack album spent 12 non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 and yielded three Top 5 singles for Newton-John: "You're the One That I Want" with John Travolta, "Hopelessly Devoted to You", and "Summer Nights" with John Travolta and the film's cast. Newton-John became the second woman to have two singles in the Billboard top 5 simultaneously.

1978: Canceled Japan concert tour

In 1978, Olivia Newton-John canceled a concert tour of Japan to protest the slaughter of dolphins caught in tuna fishing nets. She subsequently rescheduled the tour when the Japanese government assured her that the practice was being curbed.

1978: Return to Top Ten of Hot 100 and Billboard 200 Charts

In 1978, Olivia Newton-John returned to the top ten of the Hot 100 and Billboard 200 charts.

1978: Starred in Grease

In 1978, Olivia Newton-John starred in the musical film Grease and the soundtrack was among the best-selling albums. She recorded hit duets with John Travolta: "You're the One That I Want" and "Summer Nights", also solo, she recorded "Hopelessly Devoted to You" and "A Little More Love".

1979: Performer on the Music for UNICEF Concert

In 1979, Olivia Newton-John performed at the Music for UNICEF Concert for the UN's International Year of the Child, televised worldwide. She donated royalties from her songs to benefit the cause.

1979: Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

In 1979, Olivia Newton-John was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Year Honours for services to charity, cancer research, and entertainment.

1979: People's Choice Award and Golden Globe Nomination

In 1979, Olivia Newton-John's performance in Grease earned her a People's Choice Award for Favourite Film Actress. She was also nominated for a Golden Globe as Best Actress in a Musical and performed "Hopelessly Devoted to You" at the Academy Awards.

1980: Releases "I Can't Help It" and stars in 'Xanadu'

In 1980, Olivia Newton-John began the year by releasing "I Can't Help It", a duet with Andy Gibb from his After Dark album, and by starring in her third television special, Hollywood Nights. Later that year, she appeared in her first film since Grease when she starred in the musical fantasy Xanadu. Though the film was a critical failure, its soundtrack was a success.

1980: Release of "Magic" and "Xanadu"

In 1980, Olivia Newton-John released "Magic" and, with the Electric Light Orchestra, "Xanadu" from the film Xanadu.

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1981: Composed and recorded "The Promise (the Dolphin Song)"

In 1981, Olivia Newton-John composed and recorded the song "The Promise (the Dolphin Song)" on the Physical album in honor of dolphins.

1981: Release of 'Physical'

In 1981, Olivia Newton-John released her most successful studio album, the double platinum Physical, which showcased risqué, rock-oriented material. The title track spent ten weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 and was ranked as the biggest song of the decade.

1981: "Physical" single release

In 1981, Olivia Newton-John released the single "Physical", which became Billboard's highest-ranking Hot 100 single of the 1980s.

1982: Olivia in Concert Performance

In 1982, during her Olivia in Concert performance, Olivia Newton-John showcased her musical abilities by covering Dolly Parton's "Jolene", displaying a three-octave vocal range.

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January 1983: Olivia in Concert television special

In January 1983, Olivia Newton-John's Olivia in Concert television special premiered on HBO. The special was subsequently released to video, earning her another Grammy nomination.

1983: Release of "Twist of Fate"

In 1983, Olivia Newton-John released the single "Twist of Fate".

1983: Reunion with Travolta in 'Two of a Kind'

In 1983, Olivia Newton-John reteamed with John Travolta in the movie Two of a Kind, redeemed by its platinum soundtrack featuring singles like "Twist of Fate" and "Livin' in Desperate Times". She also released a video package, Twist of Fate, featuring videos of her songs from the soundtrack.

1985: Release of 'Soul Kiss'

In 1985, Olivia Newton-John's music career cooled again with the release of her studio album, Soul Kiss. The album's only charted single was the title track.

1986: Performed at 1986 VFL Grand Final

In 1986, Olivia Newton-John performed the Australian national anthem at the VFL Grand Final between Carlton and Hawthorn.

1988: Release of 'The Rumour'

In 1988, Olivia Newton-John resumed her recording career with the album The Rumour, promoted by an HBO special, Olivia Down Under. The album and its title track faltered commercially.

September 1989: Release of 'Warm and Tender'

In September 1989, Olivia Newton-John released her album, Warm and Tender, inspired by her daughter. The album failed to revive her recording career.

1989: "Talk It Over" becomes a hit

In 1989, the song "Can't We Talk It Over in Bed", originally recorded by Olivia Newton-John, was released by Grayson Hugh as "Talk It Over" and became a top-20 pop hit.

1990: Starred in 'A Mom for Christmas'

In 1990, Olivia Newton-John starred in the Christmas film A Mom for Christmas, a top 10 Nielsen hit.

1991: Became National Spokesperson for CHEC

In 1991, Olivia Newton-John became the National Spokesperson for the Colette Chuda Environmental Fund/CHEC (Children's Health Environmental Coalition) following the death of Colette Chuda.

1992: Koala Blue declared bankruptcy

In 1992, Koala Blue, the chain of women's clothing boutiques founded by Olivia Newton-John and Pat Farrar, declared bankruptcy and closed.

1993: Lawsuit dismissal regarding Koala Blue

In 1993, a judge dismissed a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against Olivia Newton-John and Pat Farrar related to Koala Blue franchise holders alleging breach of contract and unfair competition.

1994: Starred in 'A Christmas Romance'

In 1994, Olivia Newton-John starred in the Christmas film A Christmas Romance, a top 10 Nielsen hit.

1998: "Grease" re-release for 20th anniversary

In 1998, Grease was re-released for its 20th anniversary and ranked as the second highest-grossing film behind Titanic in its opening weekend.

June 2006: Lawsuit Against Universal Music Group

In June 2006, Olivia Newton-John's company, ON-J Productions Ltd, filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) for $1 million in unpaid royalties from the Grease soundtrack.

2007: "Conditional settlement" with Universal Music Group

In 2007, it was announced that Olivia Newton-John and Universal Music Group (UMG) had reached a "conditional settlement" regarding the lawsuit over unpaid royalties from the Grease soundtrack.

2007: 'Xanadu' becomes a Broadway show

In 2007, the film Xanadu, in which Olivia Newton-John starred, became the basis for a Broadway show that ran for more than 500 performances and was nominated for four Tony Awards including Best Musical.

2008: "Physical" ranked among top songs

In 2008, Billboard ranked the song "Physical" by Olivia Newton-John as No. 6 among all songs that charted in the 50-year history of the Hot 100.

2012: Opening of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre

In 2012, the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre at the Austin Hospital opened in Melbourne.

2015: Renaming of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre

In 2015, the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre was rechristened as the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre.

November 2019: Julien's Auctions Sale

On 2 November 2019, Julien's Auctions held an auction of Olivia Newton-John's memorabilia, raising $2.4 million, with her Grease outfit fetching $405,700. Her black skintight pants were bought by Sara Blakely for $162,000, and her leather jacket was returned to her after being purchased for $243,200, with all proceeds donated to her Cancer Wellness and Research Centre in Australia.

December 2019: Meet 'n' Grease sing-along events

In December 2019, Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta reunited for three live Meet 'n' Grease sing-along events held in Tampa, West Palm Beach, and Jacksonville, Florida.

February 2020: Appearance at Fire Fight Australia

In February 2020, Olivia Newton-John made her final public performance at the Fire Fight Australia charity event.

2020: Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE)

In 2020, Olivia Newton-John was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the New Year Honours for services to charity, cancer research, and entertainment.

January 2021: Release of "Window in the Wall"

In January 2021, Olivia Newton-John released her final single, "Window in the Wall," a duet with her daughter Chloe Lattanzi, which reached No. 1 on the iTunes pop music video chart upon release.