The sad news of the death of Olivia Newton- John at the age of 73 following a long battle with breast cancer began to filter through on Monday night.
There were some lovely tributes posted yesterday from Rol, John and Khayem. Although she is probably (rightly) best remembered for her role as Sandy in the film Grease like John I have a fondness for some of her earlier stuff particularly Banks of the Ohio. Has a murder ballad ever been delivered in a more beautiful voice?
Rest easy Oliva
Olivia Newton-John - Banks of the Ohio
Shortly after the equally sad news of the death of Lamont Dozier at the age of 81 was announced. A member of Motown's greatest writing trio where he was sandwiched in between the Holland Brothers, Brian and Eddie.
Whereas he was a singer in his own right and an acclaimed producer he will be best remembers as part of the Holland -Dozier- Holland team who penned many classic songs for the likes of The Supremes, The Four Tops and Martha and the Vandellas. Here is a list of their Songs Thankfully both the Holland brothers are still with us ; Brian at the age of 81 and Eddie at 82.
Rest easy Lamont
Lamont Dozier - Put Out My Fire
Martha & the Vandellas - Nowhere to Run
The Four Tops - Reach Out, I'll be There
If the best of the HDH output was put up against the best of any other songwriter or songwriting team, it would wipe the floor with them. A spectacular legacy.
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DeleteThat's a great comment Rol - how right you are. A sad day.
DeleteGreat comment from Rol. It's been a bad week for great singer/musicians/songwriters passing away....you can add Darryl Hunt, the bass player with The Pogues to the sad list. RIP every one of them.
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