Celebrate the music and legacy of the unforgettable Olivia Newton-John with Orchestra Kentucky’s heartfelt tribute concert. From the timeless hits of Grease to her chart-topping pop and country favorites, this dazzling evening will have you singing along to classics like “Physical,” “Magic,” and “Hopelessly Devoted to You.” Relive the joy, energy, and pure voice of a true icon in this feel-good celebration of one of music’s most beloved stars.

About Hopelessly Devoted To You: A Salute to Olivia Newton-John and Her Music

While cleaning out my garage in the winter of 2024, I came across the travel boxes that contained Olivia’s orchestra folders and scores, which I’ve been the caretaker of since approximately 2006. I’m Rick King, conductor/arranger for Olivia’s orchestra dates in Australia and the US. Those boxes had been packed away for years. Olivia passed in 2022, but her music lives on. I believed that we could reassemble her band to perform those unforgettable songs, and that people would come to hear it.

My first call was to Olivia’s former vocal coach and duet partner Steve Real. Steve is currently vocal coaching Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac and numerous other singers in the LA area. We started putting the pieces together for the salute to Olivia and debuted our first performance at Mohegan Sun Casino in April 2025.

The vocal roles are split between Steve, Tabitha Fair (Sting, Steely Dan, James Taylor, Rascal Flatts, Amy Grant… the list goes on) and Carmella Ramsey (Patty Loveless, James Taylor, Reba McEntire, George Strait and more).

All of the singers and musicians in this ensemble previously performed and/or recorded with Olivia. Together, they capture the spirit and soul of the show. You can view videos from her shows to see the same faces and hear the same voices.

During our first Nashville rehearsals, joy and tears appeared. We missed our leading lady but were so proud to keep her sound and music alive through her hand-picked team.

In Olivia’s final days of recording, she partnered with Dolly Parton for a duet on Jolene. Olivia recorded a version of Dolly’s song on her Come On Over album in 1976 and continued singing it in her shows through the years. Their duet session is featured in our performance.

Keeping Olivia’s orchestral concept alive, “Hopelessly Devoted to You” can be performed with a symphony orchestra or downsized to a smaller ensemble for casinos or performing arts centers. Olivia loved performing with them all.

From her earliest days of recording in Nashville to the music from Grease, Xanadu, and more, “Hopelessly Devoted to You” is truly a salute to ONJ, her music, and her contagious personality and energy.

Presently, several of the band members play regularly in the staff band of the Grand Ole Opry, tour with major acts, and/or are featured with a host of studio recording artists. Olivia carefully selected all of these people to perform with and to travel with around the world.

It’s still a tight-knit group today, and it’s our pleasure to share songs, video segments, and stories about our experiences of being a part of Olivia’s life.