Tennis Tuesday: Olivia Newton-John Edition

Before last week, I had never seen these photos of Olivia Newton-John, Helen Reddy (doing her best Ruth Buzzi!), Minnie Ripperton and Linda Ronstadt at the 1976 Eagles Rock 'n' Roll Tennis Festival. Now they seem like a gift from the tennis gods above.

 

“Then there was Ronstadt [pictured with my old Yamaha frame!], who looked like she was on foreign turf. She and partner Minnie Riperton lost dismally to Helen Reddy and Olivia Newton-John, as the referee admonished, ‘Girls, you don’t rotate, this isn’t volleyball.'"

PRESS AND SUN-BULLETIN (BINGHAMTON, NY) – OCT. 17, 1976

Olivia had a love for the sport, which loved her back. Here are a few other moments of Dame Olivia holding court ...

Micky Dolenz, with Olivia, Keith Moon, and Mark Volman, remembers our girl

Read more HERE.

And who can forget when she sang "Magic" during the opening ceremony of the 2005 Australian Open men's final between Lleyton Hewitt and Marat Safin? I remember being so nervous for her -- like she was my mom or something! -- but of course she was magic. xo

Olivia Newton-John Dies at 73

Truly heartbroken to learn that Olivia Newton-John has died at 73, after a long battle with breast cancer. I know many of you are hurting too, so seeing my social-media timelines are a running tribute makes me feel a little less alone. Lovely Livvy was a chart-topping pop and country singer with hits like "I Honestly Love You," "If You Love Me Let Me Know" and "Have You Never Been Mellow" when I fell in love with her. (“Have You Never Been Mellow” was the first album I ever purchased, $4.99 of well-spent birthday money at Korvettes in Madison Heights!)  

No sooner did I complete my collection with “Making a Good Thing Better” did she become an even bigger star after playing Sandy in "Grease," with its mega soundtrack, featuring "Hopelessly Devoted to You," "You're the One That I Want" and "Summer Nights." (I saw "Grease" opening weekend at the Abbey in the parking lot of Oakland Mall, the same place I saw "Heaven Can Wait" and "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band"!) From there she reinvented herself as a slightly less innocent pop goddess, with a string of hits including "A Little More Love," "Deeper Than the Night" (my Song of the Day just last Tuesday), "Magic," "Physical," "Heart Attack" (and superior fraternal twin "Tied Up"), "Twist of Fate," "(Livin' in) Desperate Times" and "Soul Kiss." (Even after I left her for Debbie Harry I never stopped loving her.) Olivia was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992 and has been a tireless advocate for all people with cancer ever since.  xo

Olivia Newton-John's husband, John Easterling, wrote on Facebook:

Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends. We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.

Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer.  Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund.

Olivia is survived by her husband John Easterling; daughter Chloe Lattanzi; sister Sarah Newton-John; brother Toby Newton-John; nieces and nephews Tottie, Fiona and Brett Goldsmith; Emerson, Charlie, Zac, Jeremy, Randall, and Pierz Newton-John; Jude Newton-Stock, Layla Lee; Kira and Tasha Edelstein; and Brin and Valerie Hall.

My friend Dennis Hensley theorized that "gay boys the world over loved Olivia Newton-John because she sang and looked like an angel and also because we felt like if she met us, she’d like us. And we were right." I think he's on to something, and can't help but wonder if there was also maybe an unconscious hope that if we met someone like her, we could live happily ever after with a woman. One thing I do know for sure is that she brought me -- and the world -- immeasurable joy. How lucky we are to have her vast music catalog and "Grease" -- and "Xanadu"(!) -- to forever remember her. RIP.

Guess mine is not the first heart broken. But losing your first love is never easy. Thanks for being you, Olivia. Which made me feel like it was OK to be me, back when I wasn’t so sure. 💔🌈❤️ @olivianj pic.twitter.com/sBFXftK6rf

— Kenneth M. Walsh (@kenneth212) August 9, 2022

Song of the Day: 'Deeper Than the Night' by Olivia Newton-John

 

Day two of Songs That Peaked at No. 11: I know I never shut up about Olivia Newton-John's "Totally Hot," her first post-"Grease" album. While it was a hit, it was by far her best album and should have been the mega smash "Physical" was a couple years later. The first single, "A Little More Love" reached No. 3 when it was clearly a No. 1 -- and a million times better than letting somebody's body talk. And equally depressing was that its follow-up, the romantically desperate "Deeper Than the Night," only hit No. 11, while the title track stalled at No. 52 as the third and final single. What is WRONG with people? An edit of "Please Don't Keep Me Waiting" could have been a great single, too. (I love the last two minutes of wailing that my friend calls Olivia's "Yoko Ono moment," but could have easily been trimmed for radio.) The ONJ-penned "Borrowed Time" is a masterpiece with a beautiful arrangement, and Eric Carmen's "Boats Against the Current" is another winner on a record full of them.

To add insult to injury, ONJ's next single -- "I Can't Help It" with Andy Gibb, which was written by brother Barry while he was on a roll with Barbra Streisand's "Guilty" -- only hit No. 12 the following year. (Suddenly 11 doesn't seem so bad!) Perhaps the record-buying public would have preferred a 45 of his version with Punky Brewster?

Song of the Day: 'Silvery Rain' by Olivia Newton-John

It's funny what a huge difference a year can make when you're young, but would you believe the same kid whose first album he bought with his own money was "Have You Never Been Mellow?" in the mid-'70s, who still thinks 1979's "Totally Hot" and 1980's "Xanadu" are two of the best albums of all time, didn't bother purchasing Olivia Newton-John's most successful studio album, 1981's "Physical," until years after the fact? I guess when you're 14 one year is a large percentage of entire your life, but I had completely moved on from this wholesome Aussie blonde to a downtown New York blond named Debbie Harry, which is to say nothing of my side piece from across the pond, Kim Wilde. 

Four decades later and "Physical," a charming album in its own right ("Recovery" and "Landslide" should have been smashes, and Carried Away" was like my dream sequel to "Come on Over"!), is getting the deluxe treatment, complete with bonus tracks (live, extended, edited, etc.). "Silvery Rain" was always one of my favorite album cuts, and in 1982 an accompanying video album was released with this rather Bowiesque clip for the song.

Olivia has been candid and brave about her Stage 4 cancer diagnosis, and if for some reason you see this, please know that despite my relationship with Debbie, I never stopped loving you! xo 

Song of the Day: 'Heart Attack' by Olivia Newton-John

 

I dreamed of using "Landslide" today but of course was reduced to posting this. Hang tight, everyone.

Song of the Day: "Gimme Some Lovin'" by Olivia Newton-John

This one is in honor of Welsh musician and multi-instrumentalist Spencer Davis, who died Monday of pneumonia at age 81. I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure the first time I heard the Spencer Davis Group's biggest U.S. hit, "Gimme Some Lovin'," was when Olivia Newton-John covered it for her "Totally Hot" album that came out when I was in sixth grade -- and I've been a fan ever since. 

The New York Times notes that Davis played rhythm guitar in the band and occasionally sang lead vocals, lending his baritone voice mostly to blues-oriented material. But it was Steve Winwood, who was only 15 when Davis discovered him, who emerged as the group’s star, singing lead on its hit singles and later becoming an essential figure in British rock through his work with the bands Traffic and Blind Faith and in a long solo career.

RIP, Mr. Davis. And thank you for the music.

Pay close attention to the gla(a)diators and Galaxina's boyfriend! 

Song of the Day: 'Magic' by Olivia Newton-John

With thanks to Jimbo, who reminds us of one of the most life-changing dates in LGBTQ history. "Xanadu" must be the best soundtrack to a box-office bomb ever, with nary a miss on it.

 Over the years I have already used "Don't Walk Away" -- YES, I adore the ELO side as well! -- and "Suddenly" (which nearly outed me as a teen) as my Song of the Day -- so why not celebrate four decades since the film's release with its finest moment of all?

UPDATE:



Our girl got the message.

Page 1 Roundup (12/16)

The Daily News: Mayor de Blasio’s use of NYPD security detail on failed presidential campaign probed

 Between blaming the victim (Tessa Majors) and naming the underage suspect, it doesn't seem like a lot has been learned since the horrific Central Park Five and Preppy Murder cases

Celebrity kids who look just like their famous relatives

The Randy Report: I must say this this "Grease" reunion got me a little choked up

Deadline: Danny Aiello dies: Oscar-nominated ‘Do The Right Thing’ and ‘Moonstruck’ actor was 86

Greg in Hollywood: Don Johnson is still sexy at 70

Twitter: Dear Dems: Bernie Sanders could get elected tomorrow and we could hold on to the House AND eke out a narrow majority in the Senate and Medicare-for-All would still have zero chance of happening — so not sure demonizing any of the candidates over it is worth the effort. #eyeontheball

TV Line: Hallmark Channel reverses decision to remove same-sex wedding ads

The WoW Report: Levonia Jenkins on her new Xmas show at the Stonewall and working with comedy royalty

Towleroad: New Argentine president’s drag queen son rocked a Rainbow Flag pocket square at the inauguration last week

Jay Rosen: Spot-on thread by an NYU journalism professor on The New York Times' reckless bothsides-ism.



New York Post: Harvey Weinstein: I deserve pat on back when it comes to women

Officials looking into ‘white power’ hand signs at Army-Navy football game

How soon before Trump takes out a full-page ad demanding the execution of the teen suspects?

The Washington Post: Roundup of the most outlandish claims of 2019

Chris Wallace wants journalists to push for the truth. But Fox News often traffics in propaganda.

The New York Times: Schumer proposes that Bolton and Mulvaney testify in Senate impeachment trial

In 2020 census, big efforts in some states. In others, not so much.

How a band of seasoned cinephiles plans to save the movie house

The Wall Street Journal:  Got a face like a leather handbag? Missing teeth? You could be an extra on ‘Lord of the Rings’

Why wait? Whisky is aging fast

Song of the Day: ‘Please Mr. Please' by Olivia Newton-John

This came up in my Facebook memories yesterday, a bittersweet remembrance of how hilarious my brother Bill was. God, I miss that guy. xo

Song of the Day: 'Songbird' by Barbra Streisand

Another one of my favorite pop-rock songs that never arrived at Barbra Streisand's recent MSG concert. While I remember hearing this a lot as a child, it apparently only peaked at No. 25 on the singles chart. According to Wikipedia, one theory as to why it stalled is that she recorded the theme to "The Eyes of Laura Mars," which was released as a single a few weeks after "Songbird" came out. "Prisoner (Love Theme from Eyes of Laura Mars)" -- which I featured last Thursday -- reached number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and may have created competition with herself for airplay and single sales. When I searched "Barbra Streisand 1978" I came across the above magazine cover with Olivia Newton-John. "Grease" had turned the successful pop singer into an even bigger star than she already was. And speaking of hit musicals, Babs included on the "Songbird" album a cover of "Tomorrow" from "Annie," which had debuted on Broadway the previous year. (I remember seeing Andrea McArdle promoting the musical on "Good Morning America" when I was 10.) "Annie" hit the road in 1978 and became a global sensation, Naturally, my chorus at Hiller Elementary tackled it, although it paled in comparison to Grace Jones's disco take!

 

Diva squared ...

Remains of the Day (08/09)

New York Post: How a random DM to Josh Brolin made "Peanut Butter Falcon" a reality

Instagram: Your afternoon workout with Chris Clark

ATP: Nadal, Federer and Melzer elected to the ATP Player Council

The New York Times: New CEO wants to make Barnes & Noble your local bookstore

CNN: Heartbreaking to hear that Olivia Newton-John, battling another recurrence of cancer, has asked doctors not to tell her how long she has to live

Towleroad: Matt Wilkas and Daniel Vincent Gordh are bringing awkward back for "Matt & Dan" Season 2

Tennis Inside Out: As tennis fans prepare for the next stop in Cincinnati, here's a flashback to Dominic Thiem on the practice court a couple years ago

Boy Culture: Woody Harrelson on brutal Trump dinner; going to school with Mike Pence

MetroSource: You need to know the truth about these 7 PrEP myths

Dlisted: Wayne Newton's pet monkey allegedly attacked a kid ... praying that's not a euphemism

New Times: Parkland victim left haunting message about Trump's anti-immigrant stance

Back2Stonewall: The legacy of gay AIDS activist and “KS Poster Boy” Bobbi Campbell

WSJ: The A-frame house becomes a thing again

Washington Blade: Gay Republican Carl DeMaio running for anti-LGBTQ Rep. Duncan Hunter’s seat

Greg in Hollywood: Cher reveals set list for second album of ABBA songs

BosGuy: Don't click unless you like 'em furry

The Wow Report: Teen arrested in Miami murder of trans woman Kiki Fantroy

The New Yorker: How social media shapes our identity

Hot Cat of the Day: I couldn't agree more!

Bob Einstein, Marty Funkhouser on 'Curb Your Enthusiasm,' Dead at 76

Crushed to hear about the passing of Bob Einstein, who hilariously played Marty Funkhouser, Larry David's raspy-voiced best "friend" on "Curb Your Enthusiasm." He had been battling cancer and was 76. RIP, Little Orphan Marty.

Had no idea he was Albert Brooks's older brother until reading his obituary. Apparently Albert decided to change his actual last name for some reason ... 

P.S.

Reps for Olivia Newton-John -- who is battling another recurrence of cancer -- adamantly deny tabloid reports that she's at "death's door." 

P.S.

He was also great on David Letterman (et al.) as the hapless stuntman Super Dave Osborne!

Song of the Day: ‘Don’t Walk Away’ by Electric Light Orchestra

I write this knowing I may have my childhood Olivia Newton-John Fan Club membership retroactively revoked, but I just watched “Xanadu” in its entirety -- from start to finish -- for the first time over the weekend. Of course I had the soundtrack -- you may recall that Tammy Nicholas questioned why I “always sang the girl part” of “Suddenly” in the summer of 1980 -- and I even saw (and loved) the Broadway musical. But the film came and went at theaters -- and who had time for movies what with all of those babysitting gigs? Then the reviews were so negative that I never really bothered to buckle down and watch it on cable or video, despite it being readily available. Having finally finished watching it I must say I’m a fan.

Olivia and the soundtrack are timeless and perfect -- the Tubes are used to great effect and ELO has never sounded more alive -- with the whole thing playing like an early music video. And what Michael Beck’s low-rent Andy Gibb shtick lacks is compensated by the joy of seeing Gene Kelly onscreen, especially in his dance scene with ONJ. Obviously not a brilliant film, but one definitely worthy if its cult classic status. 

Song of the Day: 'Hopelessly Devoted to You' by Olivia Newton-John

For my fellow Livvy queens, Lifetime has acquired the U.S. rights to "Olivia Newton-John: Hopelessly Devoted to You," set to air Feb. 16. The Aussie-made biopic follows the personal and professional journey of the titular "Grease" icon. (Can hardly wait to see who plays Matt Lattanzi!)

Until then, watch this video and ask yourself if heaven is missing an angel ...

Page 1 Roundup (09/27)

The Daily News: I wish I had the day off from work because I don't want ANYTHING to do with today's proceedings, because clearly we're at a point where we cannot even agree attempting to rape someone is wrong

Yet another accusation against Brett Kavanaugh, who sounds like an entitled piece of shit who scarily probably doesn't remember treating women the way he has (people like that don't think of their victims as human)

Instagram: Bonus points for a visible penis line in a jockstrap

New York Post: Third Kavanaugh accuser is decorated U.S. government employee

Page Six: Fall in love with Olivia Newton-John all over again

Gay Star News: What’s it like to move from a gayborhood to small town life when older?

The New York Times: New evidence, new accuser and new doubts threaten Kavanaugh on eve of hearing

The Washington Post: ‘I remember thinking, ugh, this is bad’: Scenes from teenage party life in the ’80s

Trump expresses some compassion for victims of the #MeToo movement: men

The Wall Street Journal: With truck drivers in demand, married couples take on team driving gigs. ‘We’re in each other’s face 24/7 sometimes’