A Tribute To Olivia Newton-John And Her Contributions To Country Music

Olivia Newton-John Country — https://www.facebook.com/olivianewtonjohn

Dame Olivia Newton-John lost her 30-year battle with breast cancer on August 8. While her passing is a great loss to the entertainment community, it’s important to note that she left a great legacy in the country music industry. Although her country heyday took place more in the 70s, Olivia Newton-John definitely left a mark in the country music business then. Let’s take a look at the tracks that Olivia contributed to the history of country music.

Her first song to chart on the Billboard US Country charts was 1973’s “Let Me Be There”, peaking at number 7. “Let Me Be There” was also her first single to go gold per RIAA’s standards. It also notched her the Grammy for Best Female Country Vocalist.

Her next smash was 1974’s “I Honestly Love You”, peaking at number 6 on the country charts. This track netted her two more Grammys: one for Record Of The Year And Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female. Earlier in 1974, “If You Love Me (Let Me Know)” became her highest charting single on the Billboard country charts in her career, peaking at number 2.

Other notable singles to reach the top 10 of the Billboard country charts include “Please Mr. Please” (peaking at #5), “Have You Never Been Mellow” (#3), and “Come On Over”. Popular covers of hers include a cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” and Gordon Lightfoot’s “If You Could Read Her Mind”. Possibly her most famous country track was “Hopelessly Devoted To You” off the Grease soundtrack. With the longing steel guitars and passionate lyrics, this became one of Olivia Newton-John’s signature songs. From the 1980s on, her musical styles shifted more towards pop and adult contemporary music.

Olivia Newton-John received her damehood in 2020 for her services to cancer research through her foundation. We salute Olivia Newton-John and everything she contributed to the world of country music.

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