I was in fifth grade when Olivia Newton-John released “A Little More Love”. I was fascinated by the track, mostly because of the musicality of the tune. The backing vocals are very entrancing to my ears, especially the variations of the title lyric. I used to blast this tune during recess on an ancient record player amidst the chaos of Miss O’Rourke’s fifth grade class in room 209. I’d listen with my friends Joyce and Renae, two of a minority of students in that class that actually had any chance of finishing our primary education.
I was sad to hear of Olivia Newton-John’s passing yesterday. I’ve always enjoyed her music and I liked her performance in that wacky movie “Xanadu”. I have another story about that title song that involves baton twirlers; I’ll save that for another day.
One of my best friends in high school was obsessed with ONJ like a good young gay boy and yesterday his husband shared that he had the opportunity meet her shortly before his passing from cancer. That made me smile; I hope Scott and Olivia get a chance to reminisce about his visit with her now that they’re both on the other side.
Rest In Peace, Olivia Newton-John. May your soaring melodies continue to soar.
Hat tip to keyboard guy with the mustache. I remember him from the ONJ performances on TV in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
