BIOGRAPHICAL DETAILS
Full Name: John Peter Farnham
Description: Vocalist, Australian
Known For: Known for – “Whispering Jack” – Album 1983
Instruments: Voice
Music Styles: Rock , Easy listening
Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Date Born: 1st June 1949
Location Born: Dagenham, United Kingdom
CONTACT DETAILS
Web Site: Official website
YOUTUBE VIDEO
BIOGRAPHICAL PROFILE
John Farnham AO
Farnham spent the first years of his life in England before migrating to Australia in 1959. As an undistinguished student, he began a plumbing apprenticeship before taking leave from that to pursue music.
His career has mostly been as a solo artist although he temporarily replaced Glenn Shorrock as lead singer of Little River Band during 1982–1985. In September 1986 his solo single, “You’re the Voice” peaked at No. 1 on the Australian singles charts. The associated album, Whispering Jack, held the No. 1 position for a total of 25 weeks, and is the highest-selling album in Australian history. Both the single and the album had Top Ten success internationally including No. 1 in Sweden.
Domestically he has remained one of Australia’s best-known performers with a career spanning over 45 years, and he is the only Australian artist to have a number one record in five consecutive decades (echoing that of Cliff Richard in the UK) with singles: “Sadie (The Cleaning Lady)” in 1967, “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” in 1969/1970, and “Age of Reason” in 1988; and albums: Age of Reason, Chain Reaction in 1990, Then Again… in 1993, Anthology 1: Greatest Hits 1986–1997 in 1997, 33⅓ in 2000 and The Last Time in 2002.
Farnham has been recognised by honours and awards including 1987 Australian of the Year, 1996 Officer of the Order of Australia, and 19 ARIA Awards including his 2003 induction into the Hall of Fame. From 1969 he was voted by TV Week readers as the ‘King of Pop’ for five consecutive years. Aside from his recording career, Farnham performed on stage with lead roles in Australian productions of Charlie Girl, Pippin and 1992’s Jesus Christ Superstar. He starred in his own TV series and specials including It’s Magic (With Colleen Hewett) and Bobby Dazzler and as a guest on numerous other popular shows such as Countdown and Hey Hey It’s Saturday. Australian rock historian, Ian McFarlane described him as “the most successful solo artist in the history of Australian rock and pop Farnham has retained an affable sense of humour and a simple, unpretentious ‘everyman’ charm which also makes him one of the most respected celebrities in Australian entertainment history.”
John Peter Farnham was born in Dagenham, England, on 1 July 1949, to John Farnham Snr and Rose Pemberton. His sisters are Jean and Jaquiline (Jackie), and his younger brother is Steven. Farnham spent his first ten years in England before his family emigrated to Australia in 1959 to live in Melbourne, Victoria. He attended school at Yarraman Park State School (now Yarraman Oakes Primary School), Lyndale Primary School and Lyndale High School. During school holidays Farnham worked with a plumber and soon he began a plumbing apprenticeship and left school, in 1967 he took two years’ leave from his plumbing job to pursue his music career.
1964–67: The Mavericks to Strings Unlimited[edit]
Johnny Farnham performed with local band The Mavericks on weekends, while still attending school, from 1964. The band had a five song repertoire. In late 1965 he was asked to join Strings Unlimited as a singer and they had a regular booking at a local hotel. In 1966, after making the state finals of the Hoadley’s Battle of the Sounds, they recorded a three-track demo tape with Farnham on vocals, Stewart Male on lead guitar, Barry Roy on rhythm guitar, Mike Foenander on keyboards and Peter Foggie on drums. On 29 April 1967, Strings Unlimited performed as a backing band for pop singer Bev Harrell in Cohuna.
Harrell’s boyfriend/manager, Darryl Sambell, was impressed with Farnham’s vocals and offered to become his manager. Initially performing in Sambell’s home town of Adelaide, Farnham recorded an advertising jingle “Susan Jones” for Ansett ANA and was offered a solo record contract with EMI.
Above: John Farnham performing in March 2014.
1967–79: Teen pop idol
Farnham’s first commercially successful recording was a novelty song entitled “Sadie (The Cleaning Lady)”, Sambell had disliked it as the lyrics were so persistent. However, EMI’s in house producer, David MacKay, insisted and so the single was released in November 1967. The B-side, “In My Room” was written by Farnham.[25] By arrangement with Sambell, Melbourne radio DJ Stan Rofe pretended that he disliked “Sadie” before playing it. Rofe continued the ploy on TV’s Uptight and viewers responded with calls to play the song.
It hit No. 1 on the Australian singles charts in January 1968 and remained there for 6 weeks.Selling 180,000 copies in Australia, “Sadie” was the highest selling single by an Australian artist of the decade. Rofe was also a writer for Go-Set, a teen-oriented pop magazine, another writer for the magazine, Ian “Molly” Meldrum, praised Farnham’s efforts. Go-Set ran a pop poll to determine the ‘King of Pop’ which was first won by Normie Rowe for 1967–1968. Farnham’s 1968 singles were “Underneath the Arches” and “I Don’t Want to Love You”, each peaked at #6. In 1969, Farnham released his album Everybody Oughta Sing a Song which peaked at No. 12 on the Australian albums charts.
His next single was a cover of Harry Nilsson’s “One”; Farnham’s version peaked at #4. When television guide, TV Week sponsored the ‘King of Pop’ awards, readers would forward their votes from coupons, Farnham won the most popular male award and was crowned ‘King of Pop’ five consecutive times from 1969–1973. He recorded a cover of the B. J. Thomas hit “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” which became his second No. 1 hit in December 1969 and remained at top spot for seven weeks into January 1970.
Another stage musical for Farnham was Charlie Girl in 1971. Jillian Billman was one of the dancers, and Farnham married her on 18 April 1973. Meldrum announced their wedding plans in Go-Set but Sambell denied the early reports, and, despite being best man at the wedding, was against Billman marrying Farnham. The clean-cut pop star had made several more albums and singles, but by the mid-1970s his recording career had begun to dwindle and he turned more to stage musicals and television.
Farnham and ‘Queen of Pop’ for 1972–1973, Colleen Hewett, combined on the 1973–1974 stage musical, Pippin, and its associated show album released in 1974. Also in 1974, Farnham and Hewett were co-hosts of It’s Magic, a children’s TV series on Channel Ten. He became familiar to viewers of Countdown when hosting its first colour transmission in early 1975 and introducing Skyhooks’ performance of “Horror Movie”.
Relations with Sambell became strained and in January 1976 they announced their split. Farnham first turned to Kenn Brodziak, producer of Pippin, for his management during 1976–1978 and then to Danny Finley, Hewett’s then husband, from 1978. Farnham starred in a situation comedy series Bobby Dazzler as the title character during 1977–1978, and narrated documentaries including Survival with Johnny Farnham.Farnham was in financial trouble with unpaid taxes and the collapse of a restaurant venture with Hewett and Finley. Farnham’s singing career was now confined to the cabaret circuit and stage musicals. in 1979 he changed his stage name to John Farnham.
1980–85: Little River Band era
Farnham had met Glenn Wheatley, who was bass guitarist of 1960s rock group The Masters Apprentices, when both acts were managed by Sambell. Wheatley was now managing Little River Band (LRB) and in 1980 Farnham signed with Wheatley. They decided his comeback single would be a reworking of The Beatles’ “Help!”, which was produced by LRB’s Graeham Goble, it peaked at #8. Farnham was utilising a more adult contemporary pop style and the associated album, Uncovered, also produced by Goble, peaked at #20. The B-side of “Help” was another of Farnham’s songwriting efforts “Jillie’s Song”, co-written with Goble. In recording the album, Farnham’s studio band were guitarist Tommy Emmanuel (ex-Southern Star Band), keyboardist Mal Logan (ex-Renée Geyer Band, LRB), drummer Derek Pellicci (LRB) and bass guitarist Barry Sullivan (ex-Chain). They became his tour band until Logan and Pellicci returned to their LRB commitments and were replaced by Sam McNally and David Jones respectively. In 1980, Farnham also appeared in a TV series, Farnham and Byrne with former Young Talent Time teen star and ‘Queen of Pop’ Debra Byrne. Three other solo singles followed in 1981 but none charted into the Top 50.
In February 1982, after Glenn Shorrock had departed Little River Band, Farnham became their lead vocalist with recommendations by Goble and Wheatley.
Farnham had initially resisted the idea of joining LRB but Wheatley convinced him that Shorrock approved of the replacement. This continued Farnham’s move away from cabaret and into rock music. As Little River Band was a successful band prior to Farnham joining, it was a surprise that they found little initial success.
With Farnham, Little River Band recorded three studio albums, which had modest success – not enough to pay back the advances the record company had provided. The first studio album, The Net, was already written and Farnham had no say in the songs, he just had to record his lead vocals. In the US, charting albums with Farnham’s vocals, were Greatest Hits (1982), The Net (1983) and Playing to Win (1984) on Billboard Pop Albums chart/Billboard 200.
While charting singles were, “The Other Guy”, “We Two”, “You’re Driving Me Out of My Mind” and “Playing to Win”. Farnham’s biggest Australian hits with LRB were the 1982 single “Down on the Border” which peaked at No. 7 and The Net which peaked at No. 11 on the albums charts in 1983.
During this time, Farnham started supplying vocal tracks for films including, Savage Streets (1984), The Slugger’s Wife (1985), and Fletch (1985); he later continued with Rad (1986) and Voyage of the Rock Aliens (1987). “Justice for One” was co-written by Farnham, for Savage Streets and it was released as a solo single.
Little River Band recorded a concert in Melbourne that aired in the United States on HBO. The concert video was only one hour long, and it highlighted some of the songs from The Net as well as reworked versions of Little River Band classics such as “Cool Change” and “Reminiscing”. “Please Don’t Ask Me”, a song written by Goble, and a non-Top 50 single for Farnham almost three years previously, was played during the “Australian Themed” opening of the show. Despite positive Australian and US reviews and responses, this performance has not yet been released on VHS or DVD.
In an interview with Channel Seven, Farnham stated, “I’ll be better off leaving, rather than putting myself under pressure that I’ve created.” Through this matter, it became apparent to the band that Farnham was intending on leaving and Playing to Win’s lead single “Playing to Win”, a song believed by all to be the band’s return to success, then started having authorship disputes.
“You’re the Voice” and Whispering Jack
Farnham had started collecting a songlist for a future solo album while still in Little River Band. He finished his vocals for their album, No Reins, and left in late 1985. Farnham’s first solo performances since 1981 were live shows with the John Farnham Band consisting of Brett Garsed on lead guitar, Sam See on guitar and Derek Pellicci, formerly of Little River Band, on drums. In early 1986, sound engineer Ross Fraser suggested to Farnham’s manager Glenn Wheatley that it was time to start working on the solo album. Wheatley searched vainly for a producer and record label willing to work with Farnham,Fraser took on the producer role and Wheatley provided financial support after mortgaging his house.
Whilst visiting a jazz club in the US, Farnham was mistakenly introduced as Jack Phantom, and when he subsequently provided a running commentary for a local pool game he named himself Whispering Jack Phantom after the Pot Black commentator ‘Whispering’ Ted Lowe. Farnham’s work for the album, Whispering Jack, included expanding his songlist with Fraser’s advice. “A Touch of Paradise” was written by Gulliver Smith and Mondo Rock’s Ross Wilson, while “Pressure Down” was provided by Harry Bogdanovs. Two weeks before the album was due to be recorded a demo tape arrived from London with similar material as “Pressure Down”, Farnham and Fraser listened to the demo of “You’re the Voice” and knew they had found a once-in-a-lifetime song. Another song on offer was “We Built This City” but Farnham knocked it back, it was later recorded by US band Starship.
Initially, public interest in the re-branded former teen-idol was difficult to cultivate, and radio stations refused to play Farnham’s album. Things however started to change after Sydney radio station 2Day FM played its first single, “You’re the Voice”, which was released in September 1986. Henceforth, radio stations began receiving requests for the song. Its television debut was on Hey Hey It’s Saturday with Skyhook’s Greg Macainsh providing bass guitar. “You’re the Voice,” peaked at No. 1 in Sweden and Australia, as well as being a Top Ten hit in some European countries: #3 in Switzerland, #6 in the UK,[44] and No. 6 in Austria. The song was written by Andy Qunta (ex-Icehouse), Keith Reid (Procol Harum), Maggie Ryder and Chris Thompson (ex-Manfred Mann’s Earth Band).
Whispering Jack, released in October, became the highest-selling album by an Australian act in Australia, at the time, and peaked at number one on the Australian Album Charts for a total of 25 weeks. As of 2006, it was 24× platinum indicating sales of over 1.68 million units in Australia alone. The album was released internationally on RCA/BMG and peaked at No. 1 in Sweden, No. 3 in Austria,and Top 20 in Norway. In August 1988 it returned to the Australian Top Ten. It also was the first music CD released in Australia. Other charting Australian singles were December’s “Pressure Down”, which peaked at No. 4, March 1987’s “Touch of Paradise” and October’s “Reasons”.
After the success of the album, Farnham followed with Jack’s Back Tour, an initial itinerary of eleven performances was thought to be enough considering they were up against tours by Michael Jackson and Billy Joel, but after high ticket sales, it was extended by eight more shows and use of larger venues. At that time, Jack’s Back Tour was the highest grossing tour by an Australian act. John Farnham Band now consisted of Garsed on lead guitar, David Hirschfelder on keyboards (ex-Little River Band), Macainsh on bass and Angus Burchall on drums.Farnham won six of the inaugural 1987 ARIA Music Awards for ‘Album of the Year’, ‘Single of the Year’, ‘Highest Selling Album’, ‘Highest Selling Single’, ‘Best Male Artist’ and ‘Best Adult Contemporary Album’. On 19 July 1987, TV series Countdown broadcast its last show, the 1986 Countdown Music and Video Awards with Farnham winning the ‘Best Album Award’ for Whispering Jack.
In 1988, Australia’s Bicentennial Year, Farnham was named 1987 Australian of the Year, although he was not yet naturalised – a hastily organised swearing-in occurred before the honour was bestowed.He was chosen due to: “his outstanding contribution to the Australian music industry over 20 years.”
The Last Time to Tom Jones
On 1 January 2001, Farnham was awarded a Centenary Medal, “For outstanding service to Australian music”, as part of Australia’s celebration of a centenary of federation. In 2002, Farnham announced his decision to retire from full-scale national tours after his The Last Time Tour – he would still perform in concerts and record – which commenced on 6 November 2002 and finished on 15 June 2003. In conjunction with the tour, The Last Time was released in October 2002, it peaked at No. 1 and achieved 3× platinum sales. The Last Time Tour was a countrywide concert tour, taking a circus-style tent to smaller towns and filling large entertainment venues in capital cities, it became the biggest grossing tour in Australian history.
During July 2003, Farnham worked with Queen to produce a new version of “We Will Rock You” for the 2003 Rugby World Cup, released on his greatest hits album, “One Voice”. Media reports of Queen asking Farnham to join the band were subsequently denied by both Queen’s Brian May and Farnham. Farnham was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame on 21 October with a performance of “You’re the Voice”. Farnham also won ‘Best Adult Contemporary Album’ for The Last Time. 2002 Hall of Fame inductee was Olivia Newton-John whilst in 2004 Little River Band was inducted.
Combining with singer Tom Jones, Farnham undertook the Together in Concert series during 2004 with ten shows in Perth, Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. Duets started with “That Driving Beat” and “Mama Told Me Not to Come”, solos from Farnham were “One”, “Pressure Down”, “That’s Freedom”, “Heart’s on Fire”, “Playing to Win”, “Every Time You Cry”, “Man of the Hour”, “Age of Reason” and “Burn for You”. The pair did five duets to close the show – Sam and Dave’s “Hold On I’m Coming”, Otis Redding’s “Try a Little Tenderness”, Ray Charles’ “What’d I Say”, Arthur Conley’s “Sweet Soul Music” and AC/DC’s anthem, “Long Way to the Top”. The DVD release, Together in Concert – John Farnham & Tom Jones, debuted at No 1.
Farnham’s career resurrection following The Last Time, has entered the Australian consciousness as a touchstone for others who are seen to return from a strongly-declared retirement. The announcement of the Farnham/Jones Together In Concert tour triggered an unsuccessful claim for damages from a fan, angry that The Last Time tour was not in fact Farnham’s last, as purported in its marketing. Consumer watchdog the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission took no action following this complaint.
Farnham made an appearance during the 2005 Melbourne Music Festival, raising funds for rebuilding after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake at the Tsunami Benefit Concert.
Personal life
Farnham married Jillian Billman, a dancer he met when performing the stage musical Charlie Girl, on 18 April 1973. They have two sons, Robert and James. Farnham is a supporter of the North Melbourne Football Club in the Australian Football League.
LINKS:
- Official website
- John Farnham at DMOZ
- John Farnham at the National Film and Sound Archive
- John Farnham in AusStage