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“7’2″ Jazz-head” Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Goes Fan Mode over ‘Grease’ While Fondly Recalling Olivia Newton-John Following John Travolta’s Comments

Published 08/10/2022, 8:00 PM EDT

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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar remembers Grease star Olivia Newton-John in the wake of her passing on Monday at the age of 73 after a prolonged battle with cancer. The Lakers legend cherished the fond memories of witnessing the British-Australian singer and actress in action with co-star John Travolta in the evergreen classic Grease. In addition, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar paid his respects to the legendary singer and actress’ opulent career.

After her death on Monday, several people from all walks of life paid their tributes to the eclipse of a wonderful career. Grease co-star John Travolta remembered Newton-John with a heartfelt eulogy on Instagram. “My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better,” wrote the veteran actor.

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Your impact was incredible. I love you so much. We will see you down the road and we will all be together again,” he added.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar remembers Grease star Olivia Newton-John

Olivia Newton-John captured the fascination of the world after the release of the musical romantic comedy Grease in 1978. In other words, Newton-John’s amazing songs in the movie mesmerized the audience and set a new standard in the industry.

 

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In fact, the soundtrack album of the movie became an instant hit immediately after it release. Till date, it’s one of the most widely sold albums in the history of music. “You’re the One That I Want”, the movie’s most popular song, has a comparable record in singles’ history.

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Additionally, the movie secured an Academy Awards nomination for the song “Hopelessly Devoted”. Therefore, it is not surprising at all that a “7’2” jazz-head” and music aficionado like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar would appreciate Newton-John’s supreme talent.

You wouldn’t think an old jazz aficionado like myself would appreciate Olivia Newton-John’s artistry, but you can’t watch Grease and not be transported by the purity and energy of her voice,” wrote the six-time NBA champion.

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Kareem on Newton-John’s demise

Meanwhile, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar lamented the demise of yet another pioneer in the field of music. The former Lakers center also mentioned the recent passing of NBA legend Bill Russell in this context.

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However, Abdul-Jabbar wanted to remember Newton-John through her songs in the wake of her passing. In fact, the 75-year-old NBA legend underscored the influence of the four-time Grammy winner on a generation of music lovers like him.

 

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Written by:

Satagni Sikder

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Satagni Sikder is an NBA writer for EssentiallySports. He has a Master's degree in English from Jadavpur University, Kolkata, and has been following the NBA since 2017. Moreover, he supports the Dallas Mavericks, and unsurprisingly, Luka Doncic is his favorite player.
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