Olivia Newton-John’s powerful voice will resonate once more with the upcoming release of the never-before-heard song “My Dream,” set to debut on September 20. The track, uncovered by her close friend and collaborator Jim Brickman, is infused with the late star’s enduring spirit and message of hope.
Newton-John, beloved for her role in Grease and a celebrated singer, passed away in August 2022 after a long battle with breast cancer. Two years later, Brickman stumbled upon an unfinished version of “My Dream” while sifting through old cassette tapes, prompting him to complete the song in her honor. He recalls their creative process fondly, stating, “It all happened in one day at Olivia’s house in Malibu,” where they recorded a demo together.
Originally intended as a romantic duet, the song has taken on new significance, reflecting Newton-John’s lifelong advocacy for cancer research and her dream of a world free from the disease. In a video for her Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, she expressed her vision: “My Dream is that we will realize a world beyond cancer. And I think we can do it!” As a tribute, Brickman is donating all proceeds from the song to the foundation, which is now managed by Newton-John’s widower, John Easterling.
Easterling praised Brickman’s generosity, noting the timely nature of the song’s release and its alignment with ongoing cancer research efforts. “We’re sponsoring plant medicine and cancer research. We’re seeing quite stunning results in the early stages,” he shared, highlighting the positive developments from their work with Dr. Kumar at the University of British Columbia.
To enhance the emotional depth of “My Dream,” Brickman enlisted the Italian trio Il Volo, who helped complete the song. “I wanted the song to be shared on a global level, and it needed an extremely passionate performance,” he explained. Il Volo’s contribution adds a cinematic quality that Brickman believes captures the song’s intimate yet epic essence.
As fans await the release, Brickman hopes “My Dream” serves as a comforting reminder of Newton-John’s legacy. “When I hear one of her songs on the radio, it makes me smile and reminds me how beloved she is, and always will be,” he reflected.
“My Dream” will be available on streaming platforms starting September 20. Pre-orders are currently open, allowing fans to support both the music and Newton-John’s impactful foundation.