Trailer for Olivia's concert in Mobile AL
Newton-John, Paul Williams In Mobile
By Elena Jarvis, Journal Staff Writer
When Olivia Newton-John won the 1973 Grammy for best country vocalist with her hit single “Let Me Be There,” few people expected the blonde singer to be “up there” in such a big way.
Such a furor was raised in the hallowed halls of Nashville’s recording studios that the Australian songstress immediately became the stuff stars are made of… publicity.
The diminutive singer will be offering much more than sheer promotion, however, when she appears at the Mobile, Ala. Municipal Auditorium in concert with singer-songwriter Paul Williams Saturday at 8 p.m. Her soft, clear voice has won over most skeptical country fans who believed that no “foreigner” could have a feel for the grassroots music.
“My father had a collection of a thousand records, mostly classical,” says Newton-John, “but he gave me Tennessee Ernie Ford records too.” A fact, according to the star, which helped launch her on a career that also is heavily influenced by Ray Charles, Joan Baez and Nina Simone.
Enthusiastic response follows Livvy, as her friends call her, like success and awards to her records. She has been the recipient of three Grammy presentations, Billboard’s No. 1 award for LPs and singles, Record World, Cash Box, the Country Music Associa-tion and the Academy of Country Music.
Such hits as “Have You Ever Been Mellow?,” “I Honestly Love You,” “If Not For You,” and “What Is Life?” appeal to easy listenin’ audiences as well as more raucous rock fans.
The reason for her fame? “Music is just in the Welsh blood,” she says, “and it was with me through my childhood.”
Appearing with Newton-John will be song-writer-entertainer Williams. Williams is the composer of the Three Dog Night hits “Out in the Country” and “Just an Old Fashioned Love Song.” He has written songs for the Carpenters (We’ve Only Just Begun, Rainy Days and Mondays).
Performing came as a natural offspring of his writing talents. Because of Williams’ growing list of fans, he decided to sing out instead of allowing his words to speak for him through other entertainers. Although his voice has been termed weak at best by rock magazines, Williams usually woos his audience with his natural and often self-deprecating stage presence.
concertdate: [1976-04-03 20:00] venue: Municipal Auditorium, Mobile AL