In May 1978, the music world was ablaze with excitement as Olivia Newton-John, on the brink of turning 30 and already a chart-topping sensation with five Top 5 singles in the U.S., prepared to storm the charts once more with “You’re the One That I Want,” her electrifying duet with John Travolta from the upcoming blockbuster musical, Grease, slated to hit theaters on June 16. Meanwhile, Andy Gibb, the 20-year-old heartthrob, continued his meteoric rise with “Shadow Dancing,” marking his third consecutive #1 single within a year, hot on the heels of his just-released album of the same name. And then there was ABBA, the Swedish pop phenomenon who had conquered Europe and now America with hits like “Dancing Queen.” This stellar lineup converged on May 17 for the TV special “Olivia,” directed by Steve Binder and aired on ABC, promising an hour of pure musical bliss. The show, filmed at Columbia Studios in Los Angeles, featured Olivia’s hits “If You Love Me (Let Me Know)” and “Have You Never Been Mellow,” Gibb’s soulful “I Just Want To Be Your Everything,” and ABBA’s infectious tunes “Fernando” and “Take a Chance On Me.” The highlight was a spirited jam session where the stars, including Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock” and a surprising operatic display from ABBA’s Anni-Frid during The Barber of Seville, showcased their immense talent and camaraderie, making it a night to remember.
