The youngest child of Professor Brin Newton-John and Irene, daughter of Nobel Prize winning physicist, Max Born, Newton-John moved to Melbourne, Australia, with her family when she was five. By the age of fifteen, she had formed an all-girl group called Sol Four. Later that year she won a talent contest on the popular TV show, βSing, Sing, Sing,β which earned her a trip to London. By 1963, Newton-John was appearing on local daytime TV shows and weekly pop music programs in Australia. She cut her first single for Decca Records in 1966, a version of Jackie DeShannonβs "Till You Say Youβll Be Mine." In 1971, she recorded a cover of Bob Dylanβs "If Not For You," co-produced by John Farrar, with whom she continued to collaborate.
Her 1973 U.S. album debut, "Let Me Be There," produced her first top ten single of the same name, with Newton-John being honored by the Academy Of Country Music as Most Promising Female Vocalist and a Grammy Award as Best Country Vocalist. This proved to be only the beginning of a very exciting career. Her countless successes include three more Grammys, numerous Country Music Awards, American Music Awards and Peoples Choice Awards, five 1 hits including βPhysical,β which topped the charts for ten consecutive weeks, and 15 top 10 singles.
In 1978, her co-starring role with John Travolta in βGreaseβ catapulted Newton-John into super-stardom. This film led to the production of the most successful movie musical soundtrack in history, featuring the duets "Youβre The One That I Want" and "Summer Nights," with Travolta, as well as her mega-hit, "Hopelessly Devoted To You." The film was re-released worldwide in 1998 in celebration of its 20th anniversary to even more acclaim, a true testament to the filmβs timeless quality. Her other film credits include βXanadu,β βTwo Of A Kind,β βItβs My Party,β and βSordid Lives.β She followed that success, by co-starring with her daughter, Chloe, in the Showtime movie, βThe Wilde Girls.β Clearly following in her motherβs footsteps, Chloe has recently signed her first record label contract.
Newton-John appeal was boundless. With a career spanning more than three decades she was adored by fans across the world. Throughout her career, the much-loved star, who danced with Gene Kelly in βXanadu,β hosted the popular internationally syndicated βWild Lifeβ television show, was bestowed an O.B.E. (Order Of The British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth in 1979, has held many humanitarian causes close to her heart, particularly since the birth of her daughter Chloe in 1986. She served as Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations Environment Programme and in 1991, the Colette Chuda Environmental Fund/CHEC (Childrenβs Health Environ-mental Coalition) was founded after the tragic death of Chloeβs best friend from a rare childhood cancer, with Olivia serving as National Spokesperson for ten years. Newton-Johnβs devotion and shared commitment to CHECβs mission and goals enabled the organization to receive worldwide attention and support. (For more information visit www.CHECnet.org.)
Her charmed life has not been without its share of upset. In the 90s, Newton-John successfully overcame her own battle with breast cancer, which inspired her self-penned and produced album, βGAIA,β her most personal album reflecting upon her experiences with cancer. She used these experiences to gain greater self-awareness and became a positive inspiration to millions of people battling cancer. As a breast cancer survivor, Newton-John became increasingly well known and respected for talking openly about her battle with breast cancer and for promoting public awareness of the importance of early detection. Her personal victory against cancer led her to announce her partnership with the Austin & Repatriation Medical Centre and the creation of the βOlivia Newton-John Cancer Centreβ (ONJCC) on the Austin Campus in her hometown, Melbourne, Australia. The ONJCC will provide a comprehensive range of services and facilities for cancer treatment, education, training and research. (For more information visit www.armc.org.au.)
Newton-John was acknowledged many times by charitable and environmental organizations for her ongoing efforts, among them: the American Red Cross, the Environmental Media Association, the Womenβs Guild of Cedarβs Sinai Medical Center, the Rainforest Alliance and Concept Cure. Olivia promotes breast health awareness and has introduced the βOlivia Breast Self-Exam Kit,β an aid to help women perform self-exams with more ease and confidence (www.liv.com).
In the 2000's, her interational recognition continued to grow. She was invited by the Vatican on behalf of Pope John Paul II to perform at the Jubilee Celebration for the Sick and Healthcare Workers. Olivia was thrilled to perform at the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympics to an estimated global viewing audience of four billion people. Adding to this Olympic experience is what Olivia feels is one of her most memorable moments β the honor of carrying the Olympic Torch during the Olympic Torch Relay. Her passion for Australia was ignited again when Olivia reunited with friend and business partner, Pat Farrar, to promote the Koala Blue brand with distinctly Australian wines to proudly bring βthe taste of Australiaβ to the rest of the world. Her healing spirit also led to the opening of the GAIA Retreat & Spa in her homeland of Australia (www.GaiaRetreat.com.au).
In 1999, her album, "Back With A Heart," garnered her an Emmy Award for her songwriting. In 2000/2001, Olivia released her only live album, "One Womanβs Live Journey," followed by βMagic - The Very Best of Olivia Newton-John,β which celebrated thirty years of recording. And if that wasnβt enough, she also released her first holiday album, βThe Christmas Collection.β In 2002, a CD of duets simply titled, β2,β was recorded in Australia and features a host of talented Ozzies along with a couple of her American friends, followed by βIndigo: Women of Song,β a tribute to some of her favorite female performers.
The CD βStronger Than Before,β release in 2005, features songs of inspiration, courage and hope that relate to the complex emotions cancer patients and their loved ones experience. A portion of the CDβs proceeds benefit cancer research.
Her recording, βGrace and Gratitude,β a CD for relaxation to promote spiritual balance and physical and emotional healing, was released in September 2006 and coincided with the launch of Newton-John's wellness products for women.
In 2002, Newton-John was inducted into the prestigious Australian Music Hall Of Fame at the 16th Annual Aria Awards. Her latest honors include receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award by friend John Travolta at the GβDay L.A. Ball in 2006.
Newton-John was also appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia by the Queen for her βservice to the entertainment industry as a singer and actor, and to the community through organizations supporting breast cancer treatment, education and training research, and the environment.β
Wesite www.OliviaNewton-John.com
This is the Moment
Olivia Newton-John Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What child is this, who laid to rest
On Mary's lap, is sleeping
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
The Babe, the Son of Mary
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come peasant king to own Him,
The King of Kings, salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise the song on high,
The Virgin sings her lullaby:
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary
The song "What Child Is This?" is a classic Christmas carol that captures the wonder and reverence of the birth of Jesus. The lyrics describe a scene where Jesus is laid to rest on Mary's lap, and angels greet him with anthems. This child is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing. The lyrics urge listeners to hasten and bring him laud, celebrating his birth as the son of Mary.
The second stanza of the song describes how the wise men brought incense, gold, and myrrh as gifts, recognizing Jesus as the King of Kings who brings salvation. They enthrone him with loving hearts, offering a praise that spreads joy throughout the world. Mary sings a lullaby, rejoicing that Christ is born, the son of Mary.
Overall, "What Child Is This?" is a poignant reminder of the miracle of Jesus' birth, the hope and salvation he brings to the world, and the joy that fills our hearts when we honor him. It's a timeless song that has endured for centuries and continues to be a beloved Christmas classic.
Line by Line Meaning
What child is this, who laid to rest
Who is this child that is peacefully sleeping?
On Mary's lap, is sleeping
The child is sleeping comfortably on top of Mary's lap.
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
The angels greet this child with sweet, welcoming songs.
While shepherds watch are keeping?
The shepherds are watching over the child as they keep guard.
This, this is Christ the King,
This is the birth of Christ the King!
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
The shepherds are guarding him while the angels are singing to him.
Haste, haste to bring him laud,
Quickly go and praise him!
The Babe, the Son of Mary
This small child is the son of Mary.
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Bring him gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh.
Come peasant king to own Him,
Even a peasant king can come and claim him as his own.
The King of Kings, salvation brings,
This child is the savior and brings salvation to all.
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Allow those with loving hearts to enthrone him.
Raise, raise the song on high,
Sing and raise the song high for all to hear.
The Virgin sings her lullaby:
The Virgin Mary sings a loving lullaby to the child.
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
Let there be joy, for Christ has been born.
The Babe, the Son of Mary
This child is Mary's son, the Babe.
Lyrics Β© Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: JOHN FAHEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MIB_63
Excellent cover of one of my favorite Gerry Rafferty songs. RIP Olivia.
@stevenwinans3489
REST IN PEACE OLIVIA. 9/26/1948 -- 8/8/2022... Heaven gained an ANGEL today... You will be missed....
@andrewcannon587
extremely under rated album
@karlypotrankahighenergy7970
Beatiful high long notes,She's Very Very Best Singer of all singers.
@aliciapuebla6596
Thank you so much Angel God bless you π ONJ alone was impossibile to do it really God will be forever with you π blessing π all the best π€ ONJ
@tinastanley4444
RIP DEAR SWEET OLIVIA π₯
@SarahWestTheAmericanTailQueen
Beautiful song of 1985
@martinjimenez4799
Amo por siempre esa bellisima voz y ese es mi gran tema favorito de olivia.
@jorgejorgea752
Para mi es el mejor Γ‘lbum diferente en todo su estilo y sonido.. la voz de Olivia espectacular ......se adelantΓ³ en el tiempo....a este Γ‘lbum le faltΓ³ una buena promociΓ³n ....
@bitememofo9227
te best song on the entire alum,, very haunting