Olivia on the Mike Douglas Show in 1978

Olivia Newton-John sang "Me and Bobby McGee" live with Kenny Rogers when they both guested on the Mike Douglas show in 1978. Olivia had just finished filming "Grease" but it was not released in the theatres yet so she was nervous about the film's success. As it turns out, her fears were completely unfounded.

During this same show, Olivia also sang a very touching version of her song "Changes," a song she had written herself. This live version is very emotional yet hauntingly calm at the same time.

Here is the video of Olivia singing "Changes," followed by the lyrics. The song is about the effect of divorce on children and, as such, seems reminiscent of the fact that Olivia's parents divorced when she was quite young:

We said a million times we'd change
Can't bring myself to say those words again
A piper never changes tune
You can't grow apples on the moon

The hurtful things we say still penetrate
And whispered sorrys always come too late
Then the damage has been done
What are we going to tell our son?

I want to spare his broken heart
Break it gently that we'll live apart
Don't know the proper words to say
He won't be seeing daddy every day

Those weekly outings never work, you know
Buying gifts and candy, picture shows
They can't replace the man around
Your voice, your touch, your manly sound

I guess the trouble is I love you still
And if it comes to that, I always will
No, please don't cry, it's just too late
Now hurry on, she's waiting at the gate

Meeting Olivia in San Rafael, California (2009)

Dr. Ramzi Salti (right) with Olivia Newton-John and her husband John Easterling

On April 18, 2009, I had the pleasure of meeting Olivia Newton-John (once again) with her husband John Easterling at the Embassy Suites in San Rafael, California.

I was among dozens of people who had been invited to an event that was organized by Olivia and her husband John "Amazon" Easterling in order to promote a new health and wellness drink that is made from special ingredients that come from the rain forest.

Featured as a visionary on Jean-Michel Cousteau’s 2008 documentary Ocean Adventures “Return to the Amazon,” John Easterling and his company were recognized as “the strongest testament that keeping the Rain Forest alive and productive is more economically profitable than cutting it down.” His company, Amazon Herb Co., is providing support to many Indigenous communities in the Amazon. These villages have been challenged by many forces of change, including logging and oil exploration. Now, they have greater choices managing their land, their resources and their culture. Amazon Herb Co. is committed to supporting a positive, sustainable future for the Rain forest and its inhabitants.

Both Olivia and John were very gracious throughout the event. I chatted with both John and Olivia and even got a few items signed. We even shared some laughs when I reminded Olivia of the many times we had met previously "before she married John." I was also glad to know that she still remembered the many articles that I had published about her and her career from my days as an Entertainment writer in Hollywood. These had led to many invitations and great memories over the past decade.

I am sharing a picture from that wonderful event and would like to attest that Zamu tasted as delicious as it sounds. For more info on Zamu, please go to http://www.amazonherb.net/