Aussie Rock Legend: John Farnham

John Farnham is an English-born Australian pop singer. We first knew John Farmham as Johnny Farnham in 1964, right through to 1979. In fact, my hubbie remembers seeing Johnny Farnham performing in a local shopping here in Canberra in the early '70's.

John Farnham is known best as a solo artist - although he did perform as lead singer for the Little River Band between 1982-1985.

My first real 'recognition' of John Farnham was in 1986, when his album - Whispering Jack was released. In October 1986, "You're the Voice" (a solo from the album) peaked at #1 on the Australian singles charts.

Whispering Jack, held the #1 position for a total of 25 weeks and both Whispering Jack and You're The Voice have had Top Ten success internationally.

It was while releasing Whispering Jack was released, that Johnny Farnham became John Farnham.

John Farnham was not born Australia - he didn't arrive in Australia until he was 10 years old, in 1959. John was schooled in Victoria and in school holidays he worked with a plumber and soon he began a plumbing apprenticeship and left school.

John's first ever single was called 'Sadie' in 1967...'Sadie' sold 180 000 copies in Australia, and was the highest selling single by an Australian artist of the decade.

A 1970's Australian Coke ad featuring John.

For me, John Farnham really 'came into his own'. He released Whispering Jack, Chain Reaction and Age Reason, toured extensively, performed in stage shows and stamped himself indelibly in my history.

Many of Johns songs during this time have very special meaning to me.

One of my faves is the Main Event Tour that took place during October-December 1998. I didn't get to see it, but I did get the VHS Video (yes, this was before DVD time). In 'The Main Event', John Farnham performed with Olivia Newton-John and Anthony Warlow and it was amazing.

They look like they're having a lot of fun...

A rare song by Johnny Farnham from the early 70's

In 1999, Australian troops commenced peacekeeping duty in East Timor (Dili). On 21 December 1999, John performed live to 100's of Aussie Peacekeeping Troops in Dili - in a concert known as 'Tour Of Duty'.

This concert was televised in Australia and my hubbie and I sat in lounge room, watched the concert and enjoyed every minute of it.

This showed the soul and generosity of our Australian celebs.... (and I bought the TShirt!)

I saw this performed on Australian TV a number of years ago. Not only in Amazing Grace one of my favourite songs, this is performed by some great Australia Talent - John Farnham, Vanetta Fields and Lindsay Field.

I hope you enjoy as much as I do.