A Forgotten Glen Campbell TV Special Featured an Unexpected Music Icon
On May 20, 1976, Glen Campbell brought a little bit of Nashville to Australia when CBS aired the musical television special Glen Campbell… Down Home-Down Under.
The variety special paired Campbell with a lineup of Australian performers, but one guest appearance in particular stood out: Olivia Newton-John.
Years before nostalgia-driven TV specials became commonplace, the two stars teamed up for a warm, easygoing performance of "Happy Together" that showcased their natural chemistry and crossover appeal.
Many fans were shocked to learn of the duet, even years later.
"They are both great singers but I never knew she sang a song with Glenn Campbell," wrote a Facebook user.
"This is great!" another chimed in. "I've never seen it before, and their voices are wonderful together. But then, Olivia sang beautifully with anyone!"
"I've never seen this video before," a third added. "Very cool to still find new Olivia material."
At the time, both Campbell and Newton-John were major television and music stars with audiences that stretched far beyond country music.
Campbell was riding the massive success of hits like "Rhinestone Cowboy" and "Country Boy (You Got Your Feet in L.A.)," while Newton-John had already become one of pop music's brightest stars thanks to songs like "Let Me Be There" and "I Honestly Love You."
The special leaned heavily into its Australian setting. Campbell and Newton-John joined popular Aussie pop group Sherbet for a spirited performance of "Let Me Be There." Campbell also shared the stage with Australian duo Bill & Boyd for a medley of "Country Boy (You Got Your Feet in L.A.)" and "Rhinestone Cowboy."
The special is rarely discussed today, but it remains a fascinating snapshot of 1970s television, when variety specials regularly brought together major stars from different corners of the music world.
Campbell passed away on Aug 8, 2017, at the age of 81. A few years later, in 2022, Newton-John died on August 8 at the age of 73.
RELATED: A Song Glen Campbell Didn't Write Helped Make Him a Television Star
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 9:20 PM.