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

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SUMMARY

Olivia Newton-John was widely regarded as a beloved figure, particularly for her role as John Travolta's love interest in the iconic film "Grease." Her passing has deeply affected fans, with many reminiscing about her performances and the cultural impact of the film. Notably, she was the granddaughter of physicist Max Born, a fact that surprised some fans after her death. The discussion also touches on the memorable songs from "Grease," including the misheard lyrics from the chorus of "You're the One That I Want."

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with the film "Grease" and its cultural significance.
  • Understanding of the musical elements and song lyrics from the 1978 film.
  • Knowledge of notable figures in entertainment, such as Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta.
  • Awareness of the historical context surrounding the film's release and its impact on pop culture.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the film "Grease" and its influence on musical cinema.
  • Explore the biography and career of Olivia Newton-John.
  • Investigate the contributions of Max Born to physics and his family legacy.
  • Analyze the musical composition and lyrics of "You're the One That I Want" from "Grease."
USEFUL FOR

Fans of classic cinema, music historians, and anyone interested in the legacy of Olivia Newton-John and the cultural impact of "Grease."

Ivan Seeking
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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.

 
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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”
 
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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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