OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN - "What Is Life?" (1971)

The reason I am posting this is that it was played on the station I listened to in the early 70s, WIP, which was an MOR (middle-of-the-road) station as opposed to Top 40 or rock. This song was the first I ever heard by ONJ. The George Harrison version was not played, and I never even knew this was a cover until years later. So, yes, I know some will prefer the original, but I'm posting radio memories, and this is what I remember.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• 1970s
• pop
• rock

[Henrytheape]

Happy New Year, Mr. Trashcan!

[MrTrashcan1]

Thank you, dear.  Happy New Year to you, too!

[hiabbeyhimaggy]

I prefer George's version, but this is an alright cover.

[mdecarlo427]

No offense to Olivia, she's a fine singerand all, but George's version is far superior!!

[tigerfeet666]

Gays are taking over

[tigerfeet666]

gay boys prefer the g harrison version..this version rocks

[agorachief]

sounds as though you lived life in the middle of the road. thank you for being so honest about your sheltered life with music. that takes a certain amount of courage, which is of course admirable.

this is on a longplay. why does this mix go from Olivia newton John to The Doors? that's a leap

[agorachief]

sounds as though you lived life on the middle of the road. thank you for being so honest about your sheltered life with music. that takes a certain amount of courage, which is of course admirable.

[Helmut83]

I also preferr George's, but this one is good enough to be worth having done it.

[lakings13]

@CodyWestLovesOlivia I was still living in Mexico City in 71' when this song came out by George Harrison where it was a big hit, never knew this version ever existed until You Tube, I think you have your facts backward.

[nostalgiahistoria67]

I like both George Harrison's and Olivia's versions of this song. Does anyone know if Olivia's version of this song is on a compilation/anthology of Olivia's 70s hits/ songs that is easy to find?

[CodyWestLovesOlivia]

I prefer Olivia's version because she is "IT" and I've never heard Georges version. Olivia's is known better than his. and was well listened to in the early 70's in the USA and Mexico.

[leicbri]

Olivia's version of this song was a minor hit: it got to No.16 on the UK charts, and to No.34 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart.