Olivia Newton John: Travolta's Love Interest & Tragic Passing

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John Travolta expressed his admiration for Olivia Newton-John, recalling how everyone wanted her as a girlfriend, and lamented her passing alongside the loss of his brothers. Newton-John's last performance was in 2020, highlighting her enduring impact on pop culture. The discussion touched on the nostalgia of musical moments in films like "Grease," where spontaneous singing and dancing were commonplace. There was curiosity about the lyrics of a song from the film, with some humor about misheard lines. Participants reflected on their favorite tracks from "Grease," noting a preference for songs like "Grease Lightning." Travolta's vocal abilities were also acknowledged, with surprise at his singing talent. The conversation included a mention of Newton-John’s lineage, revealing her connection to Max Born through her family.
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As John Travolta said when they asked about having Olivia as his love interest in the movie Grease, everyone wanted Olivia for a girlfriend. I had a crush on her for decades. LOL! And it was very sad to hear of her passing. I found this especially touching and sad. Both of his brothers are gone and now so is she.

 
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Max Born's granddaughter.
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
Max Born's granddaughter.
YES! I only learned that after she died.
 
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This was her last performance - in 2020

 
A lot of young people today may not realize that it really used to be like this. One moment everyone is at an amusement park minding their own business, and the next moment, everyone starts singing and dancing.

 
Ivan Seeking said:
A lot of young people today may not realize that it really used to be like this. One moment everyone is at an amusement park minding their own business, and the next moment, everyone starts singing and dancing.


After seeing this thread the other day, I went to solve one of the great mysteries : what words are they singing in the chorus of that song ? So, the lyrics are supposed to be "You're the one that I want"... but, they're actually singing "yathewallaballawoo" which is what I remember. Still mystified ; still under the impression that motorboating may be involved.
 
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I learned about Max Born's granddaughter from Dr Emil Wolf after taking a course from him in 1978, when "grease" was big. Dr Emil Wolf was coauthor of "Principles of Optics" with Max Born
 
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She was lovely wasn’t she?

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My favourite was always “Sam”
 
I thought this was a bit sloppy in 1978, a girl track. Much preferred Grease lightning and yurwallloawon.
I like it now.

 
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And this, the video is strange. I never saw the film but I recognised "Swan" from "The warriors," Michael Beck. Great track though.

 
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pinball1970 said:
I thought this was a bit sloppy in 1978, a girl track. Much preferred Grease lightning and yurwallloawon.
I like it now.
That was hers, originally ; go figger. Back in the day I thought it was a cover : it has a Sinatra vibe.

Really surprised at the quality of Travolta's vocal chops, though.
 
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hmmm27 said:
That was hers, originally ; go figger. Back in the day I thought it was a cover : it has a Sinatra vibe.

Really surprised at the quality of Travolta's vocal chops, though.
Yeah decent range on him.
 
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