Newly Released Olivia Newton-John Song Shares Her ‘Dream’
By Movieguide® Contributor
Two years after her death, Olivia Newton-John’s voice lives on in a new, never-before-heard song titled “My Dream.”
“I met Olivia when I was invited to open for her on concert tour,” Jim Brickman, Newton-John’s musical collaborator and friend, told PEOPLE. “A really great honor, and a wonderful musical match. She did something that ‘stars’ hardly ever do. She stood backstage and watched my set almost every night, many times with curlers in her hair. It was so supportive and gracious, inspiring me to do my best. It’s a wonderful memory, I can just see her there.”
They began writing songs together, one of which was “My Dream.”
“It all happened in one day at Olivia’s house in Malibu,” Brickman shared. “First writing in the morning and then recording a quick demo in the afternoon at John Farrar’s, Olivia’s longtime collaborator’s, studio. The version you hear now, is from that original session. A very relaxed and happy day.”
He continued, “It started as a romantic duet, but has now become more significant as a theme that resonated with Olivia about her Dream and hope for a cure for cancer.”
When asked why he decided to put it out now, Brickman told GOOD MORNING AMERICA, “I decided to finish the song to honor my dear friend, her beautiful spirit, and her foundation.”
Brickman shared that 100% of the proceeds from “My Dream” will go towards the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund.
“How generous of Jim Brickman and their whole team for donating all the proceeds from this inspiring song. I mean, it wasn’t an accident that he found this song that they had done and never really put out,” Newton-John’s widower, John Easterling, said. “Olivia’s dream was really to realize the world beyond cancer.”
Newton-John, who performed at the 25th Movieguide® Awards Gala died on Aug. 8, 2022. Movieguide® previously reported:
Singer and actress Olivia Newton-John, best known for her role in 1978’s GREASE, died on August 8, 2022. She was 73.
Olivia’s husband, John Easterling, confirmed the news on her official Facebook page.
“Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends. We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time,” he wrote.
Although a cause of death was not listed, Newton-John battled breast cancer three times, with the latest diagnosis coming in 2017.
“Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer. Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer,” her husband added.
Newton-John previously attended the Movieguide® Awards Gala and Report to the Entertainment Industry where she performed with her band, Liv On.
Despite some edgier songs early in Newton-John’s career like her 1981 hit “Physical,” the four time Grammy-winning artist also sang songs motivated by her Christian faith, including many Christmas albums and a 2006 album called “Grace and Gratitude.”
Music historian Joel Whitburn ranked Newton-John as the No. 1 female soloist of the ’70s. Newton-John’s legacy in the entertainment world continued through subsequent decades after her success in GREASE.
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