A long-lost song by the beloved singer and actress, Olivia Newton-John, has been released two years after her passing. The track, titled ‘My Dream,’ features Italian operatic pop trio Il Volo and was a collaboration with Newton-John’s longtime friend and collaborator, Grammy-nominated pianist Jim Brickman.
Grammy-nominated pianist Jim Brickman was a close friend of Olivia's for many years. (Photo by Denise Truscello/WireImage)
Grammy-nominated pianist Jim Brickman and Olivia Newton-John shared a special bond and collaborated musically.
The world mourned the loss of Olivia Newton-John in August 2022 when she succumbed to cancer at the age of 73. While she left behind an iconic catalog of hits like ‘Hopelessly Devoted To You,’ ‘Summer Nights,’ and ‘Physical,’ a recently unearthed recording allows fans to hear her voice once more.
‘My Dream’: A Song with a Purpose
‘My Dream’ was discovered by Brickman on an old cassette tape after Newton-John’s death. He describes the song as a product of a “happy day” spent with the singer and songwriter at her Malibu home, where they wrote and recorded a demo in a single day.
The song, originally conceived as a romantic duet, has taken on a deeper meaning, reflecting Newton-John’s enduring hope for a cure for cancer. “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,” Brickman shared in an interview with People magazine.
Olivia and husband John Easterling in 2018. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)
Olivia Newton-John dedicated much of her life to supporting cancer research.
Newton-John was a tireless advocate for cancer research, having battled the disease herself. In 2012, she established the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre at Melbourne’s Austin Hospital, and in 2020, she founded the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund to further support cancer research. “My Dream is that we will realise a world beyond cancer. And I think we can do it!” she passionately proclaimed.
Honoring a Legacy
In a touching tribute to Newton-John’s memory and her dedication to the cause, Brickman has pledged to donate all proceeds from ‘My Dream’ to her foundation, which is currently overseen by her widower, John Easterling.
Easterling, reflecting on the poignancy of the song’s title, told People, “Olivia’s dream was really to realise the world beyond cancer.” He emphasized the significance of the song’s release, stating, “I mean, it wasn’t an accident that he found this song that they had done and never really put out. And it’s so timely with the results and the things that we’re seeing.”
The release of ‘My Dream’ serves as a bittersweet reminder of Newton-John’s extraordinary talent and her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the world. It offers fans a chance to connect with her legacy in a meaningful way, while contributing to the realization of her dream of a future without cancer.
The lyric video for ‘My Dream’ is available on YouTube, allowing fans to experience this moving tribute.
Brickman, reflecting on the impact of Newton-John’s enduring legacy, shared, “Like so many of us, when I hear one of her songs on the radio, it makes me smile, and reminds me how beloved she is, and always will be.” Through ‘My Dream,’ her voice continues to inspire hope and touch the lives of people around the world.
