Olivia Newton-John publicity photo

This publicity portrait was taken in 1981, the same year that Olivia Newton-John’s worldwide hit song ‘Physical’ was released. It captures the moment before 'Physical', with its sexually suggestive lyrics, gave Newton-John's sweetly innocent image a makeover. While she sports long locks here, they were cut into a short pixie for the iconic 'Physical' music video. 

In the US alone, 'Physical' spent 10 weeks at the top of the Billboard charts, a feat unsurpassed in the 1980s. Its accompanying raunchy music video clip was equally noteworthy. Set in a gym during an aerobics class, the clip featured all the headbands, pink spandex and lurid double entendres one would expect from such a significant moment in '80s culture.