Throughout his career, Cliff Richard has shared the stage with many remarkable voices, but there is one duet with Olivia Newton-John that has never reached the public ear. The story goes back to the late 1970s, when the two were preparing for a major television show in London. At the time, Olivia was riding the wave of global fame with “I Honestly Love You,” while Cliff remained the UK’s beloved pop icon with a string of chart-toppers.
The rehearsal took place in a small studio – no stage lights, no audience. Just two microphones, a piano, and the occasional laughter between warm, friendly exchanges. They chose to sing a classic ballad they had both loved since their younger days. The recording lasted just over three minutes, yet their harmonies created a warmth that felt like two old friends sharing a private story.
What makes it all the more poignant is that this recording was never officially released. Cliff revealed in an interview that it was simply “a moment for us” – a personal gift, never meant for the public. Olivia later reminisced about it as one of the rare occasions she sang without thinking about cameras or audiences, focusing solely on the joy of music.
After Olivia Newton-John’s passing in 2022, the tale of “The Lost Duet” became even more bittersweet. Fans searched high and low for the recording, but it remains nothing more than a memory for those who were there that day.
That moment – simple, unpolished, without the glare of fame – is precisely what makes it so precious.
🎵 Suggested listening: “Suddenly” – one of Cliff and Olivia’s officially released duets, from 1980.