NEW YORK (Top40 Charts/
Olivia Newton-John Official Website) - Four-time Grammy Award winner
Olivia Newton-John returns with a beautiful holiday CD simply titled, "Christmas Wish." The 22-track CD features twelve glorious vocals and ten musical interludes, as well as performances by Grammy winners and nominees, Barry Manilow, Michael McDonald, Jon Secada,
David Foster and Jim Brickman, to name a few. The CD will be available online at OliviaNewton-John.com on
September 25, 2007, and then exclusively at all Target store locations on November 6, 2007.
Following the critical acclaim of her 2006 release, "Grace and Gratitude," Christmas Wish features Olivia's signature vocals and plush, new arrangements of classic holiday favorites as well as new songs written by Olivia and her producer, Amy Sky. "Music is such an integral part of the holidays for me that I wanted to create a different type of Christmas album that would inspire the listener to share that spirit of the holidays not only during the season but, to carry those sentiments throughout the year," says Olivia.
The CD reprises the musical approach that made "Grace and Gratitude" a favorite for both critics and fans alike. By intermingling Olivia's vocals with stirring musical interludes, the CD takes the listener on a journey infusing classic holiday standards with new songs that both touch the heart and soul while allowing the listener to reminisce and reflect on their own holiday memories. "I love hearing Christmas songs on the radio every holiday season as it brings back so many wonderful memories with my family and friends," says Olivia. That feeling was the inspiration behind "Christmas on My Radio," a "doo-wop" inspired song with a sound reminiscent of Olivia's hits from "Grease," the film that shot her to super-stardom and which remains the most successful movie musical of all time.
Other songs such as the lush and romantic "Every Time It Snows," which features the guest vocals of Latin superstar Jon Secada, combines Olivia's angelic voice with Secada's velvety croon. In addition, the CD features duets with Barry Manilow ("A Gift Of Love"), Michael McDonald ("All Through The Night") and a cameo by Canadian superstar Jann Arden ("Silent Night"). The CD also features the musical talents of David Foster ("Every Time It Snows") and Jim Brickman ("A Mother's Christmas Wish") on keyboards and piano. A new version of her acclaimed 2006 hit, "Instrument of Peace" sums up the message of the holidays - a time we are all hopeful for peace around the world. Musical interludes including "Away In A Manger," "The First Noel," "Angels We Have Heard On High" and "We Wish You A Merry Christmas," weave a tapestry of peace, joy and inspiration between the stunning vocals.
With a career spanning over four decades, Olivia has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide, has had more than ten No 1 hit singles, received numerous Grammy, American Music, Billboard, Country Music and People's Choice Awards and, an Emmy Award for songwriting. She has also starred in various TV shows and motion pictures including "Grease" and "Xanadu," both of which are currently experiencing new life as hits on Broadway. Olivia's ongoing philanthropic efforts have remained a major focus as she continues to give back to the community through a variety of organizations. Among them is the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre, which will provide a comprehensive range of services and facilities for cancer treatment, education training and research, including a wellness center for the mind, body and spirit.
