There’s so much more to Olivia Newton-John than her role as Sandy in the movie-musical Grease.
Seven years before Grease premiered, Newton-John had already released her first solo album If Not For You. Newton-John experienced instant success, and was voted the Best British Female Vocalist two years in a row by the magazine Record Mirror.
During a performance in 1972, Newton-John put her award-winning talent on display when she covered the classic song “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”
“Take Me Home, Country Roads” was originally recorded by folk and country pop artist John Denver. The song was a major hit, peaking at the #2 spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Newton-John isn’t seen for the first part of her performance, but you can still hear her unmistakable voice soaring above her background singers.
She eventually comes into view, wearing a striped blouse and high-waisted pants, swaying back and forth and sings. The crowd follows her lead, bouncing up and down and clapping their hands to the beat.
According to the smiles on everyone’s faces, including Newton-John’s, it appears that her performance was well-received.
You may know Newton-John best from her role on Grease, but her cover of “Take Me Home, Country Roads” will show you that she was even more talented than you already thought.
