Im 62 and I was bought up listening to John...even my cousins did an airline ad with him...he is and always be THE BEST guy and singer I know...and I LOVE how he makes people feel Onya John !
My wife and I saw a live performance by John fronting The Little River Band at an evening concert during the World Expo 88 in Brisbane. Don Henley from The Eagles joined them on stage as a guest singer because at that time The Eagles had split up, together they performed both Little River Band and Eagles songs - it was brilliant and something that we will always remember. We saw the documentary about Johns career at the open air Picture Gardens in Broome as we happened to be passing through that area when it was released. It is well worth seeing to understand the struggle that he went through to be taken seriously after his initial success as a teen pop idol in the 60s..I have to admit that I was one of those who didnt take him as a serious talent until he replaced Glenn Shorrock in LRB and then later released the Whispering Jack album. Before that I just thought of him as the Johnny Farnham who appeared on Bandstand in the late 60s and had a couple of boppy hits on the radio - how wrong and misguided a lot of us were back in those early days. Thanks go to Glenn Wheatley for sticking with his good mate and showcasing Johns incredible talent to the doubters like myself..
Im genX and probably a decade younger, we were never exposed to his 60s era. We were young kids when he was in LRB and teenagers when Whispering Jack came out and just hooked in straight away without prejudice. I'm a bit of a hard rock guy but I have always loved him, even when it was unfashionable... but I like Celine too for similar reasons.
This song was all over Australian radio in early 1987. What this man can't do with his voice isn't worth mentioning 😊 Farnham is an absolute legend! Thank you for putting your musical knowledge to work with this reaction 😊
1987/88 was a great time to be growing up in Australia, fantastic time we all had, great memorys, inc this man, those backing singers have always been on point, Still there to this day to have his back ,great people,
I was 10yo when this album was released and it was the very first album I chose for myself and spent my own money on. It unlocked music for me, and was a huge inspiration for me to go on and beg my parents for music lessons. Mum worked an extra job so I could learn music theory and the flute with a teacher. I credit this album to be the start of my own music journey. I am 46 now, and I remember the day I got that album. I’ll never forget it.
Thanks for doing another John Farnham reaction, this is a beautiful song , originally released by Australian band Mondo Rock in 1982, and then covered by John on his comeback album Whispering Jack in 1986. Spot on about his stage presence - honestly, we all know his voice is absolutely amazing, but I think his popularity stems at least equally as much from who he is as a person - he doesn't pretend to be someone he's not, you can tell he takes absolute joy in singing and he's not afraid to show that honestly on stage, and he connects with and cares about his audience - John has said that part of the reason he didn't pursue overseas success is that he'd never have a relationship with any other audience like the one had with his fans here, as some of them had been with him for 30 years, which I think is quite a lovely perspective, and really demonstrates what's important to him. Another wonderful thing about his performances is the space and respect given for the other musicians on stage. It's telling that many people played with him for decades, including those wonderful backup singers, who you'll see in almost every performance. Can't wait to see more John from you :)
Another performance worth a listen is his live "Burn for you". ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-4PPvOhPspEA.html It's just John's voice and Phil on guitar. Spectacular.
Have you heard John singing Burn For You? I do not understand why John Farnham is not a world wide talent. I feel sad for the rest of the world missing out on our man John and his epic voice ❤
I am blown away by how much the people of the world are affected by John's voice. We Aussie have been love with his unique vocals, (me since my late teens, by his debut with Sadie The Cleaning Lady') and his ease of delivery, that draws the emotion from everyone. There isn't another voice like Johns, and I don't think there ever will be.
This gorgeous song was written by another Aussie legend - Ross Wilson, who fronted 2 of our best bands ever - Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock. It was recorded by John on his comeback album Whispering Jack. We are so lucky to have these people in our country!
Beth it’s wonderful to hear your reviews as a professional vocal coach explaining what John can do with his voice. Those of us who’ve grown up or discovered John think his voice is amazing but you explaining why technically is an added bonus adding even more appreciation to his talent. For me John who can sing ‘Old McDonald Had A Farm’ to ‘Granada’ with our Australian Phantom Of The Opera Anthony Warlow, shows the huge genre of John’s vocal abilities.
“Whispering Jack” was the name of John’s comeback album in the mid ‘80s. His manager mortgaged his house to fund it, and was paid back in spades when it went multiple platinum
And we’ve had him since the 60’s John is so gifted it blows my mind. I’m so glad tho that the rest of the world is finding how brilliant he is and why we Aussies love him! And HES CANCER FREE.
Such a natural talent. He's been a mainstay in stylistic music for so many years. Love John Farnham and his beautiful voice...and the aussie accent doesn't hurt either. 😊😊😊
I saw so many of his concerts in Melbourne and in a pub in Sydney. Apart from his voice, there is a charisma that draws you in. The audience is mesmerised. I was one of those.
Thanks Beth for another master class. Not sure whether you have seen a very young John Farnham singing 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' live on TV. You will love it.
John Farnham is a legend, a brilliant performer, singer, entertainer, and all around incredible human. He absolutely loves performing and it comes across. Great reaction
Listening to John Farnham is an addiction. Oh and BTW if you include the 2 albums John released with Olivia Newton John on 2015 and 2016...that's 6 decades of number one hits. And just recently (2023) he had another new album (the soundtrack from the documentary about his life) entered the charts at number 2...so that made 7 consecutive decades of top charting hits or albums. How many artists around the world can lay claim to that. ❤❤❤
Written by My favourite musician , Ross Wilson. He deserves credit, also his version (MUST SEE band Mondo Rock). Also see him as guest with John with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.Glad you like our John " The Voice".
Love your comments about phrasing and storytelling, I feel like that's almost the secret weapon that people don't realise is creating the magic. One of his most beautiful songs, I don't know how anyone could listen to it and not be taken to a different place.
Beth, just a bit more info about Steve Williams who played the beautiful clarinet solo. He also plays a long and brilliant harmonica solo on “Chain Reaction”. His breath control is the best I’ve ever seen. (He’s also a music teacher.) Then you’ll see Steve on “That’s What Love Will Make You Do” playing saxophone with the other horn players. It’s a funky RnB song with most of the band doing solos. As a bit of extra trivia, the first horn soloist in their part used to play for Frank Sinatra.
Really good review Beth. "Born for it" sums John up for sure. I like how he walks around the stage and acknowledges people out of the spotlight and waves - so relaxed.
📖 Get your signed copy of my album Fable here: www.bethroars.com/shop ☀ Pre-save my first single "Power Of The Wolf" on Spotify (it really helps me out!): distrokid.com/hyperfollow/bethroars/power-of-the-wolf 🥁 Become a Patreon Supporter: www.patreon.com/bethroars
If you would really like to hear something special, listen to John sign Black Dog. He performed it as a sound check. There is no video only audio but it is stunning.
I love your professional insight and explanation regarding John's voice. To me, he is a Master vocal gymnast. Ross Wilson wrote and initially performed this song and it went nowhere. John took it, weaved his magic through it and voila!. It touches us deeply. I believe that John has fulfilled his soul's mission - to give joy to people through his wonderful singing and stage presence. For another Aussie with such talent, please react to Anthony Warlow ( in the same concert as John and Olivia Newton-John, named The Main Event) singing, 'This Is The Moment" from the musical, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Anthony was chosen to record this song out of thousands of applicants from around the world !
John always appeared happiest on stage. He loved the crowd and the crowd loved him. My only regret in life is that I never got to go to one of his concerts.
Just sublime. And love your review and your explanation and tips about technique. For those who haven't seen it - Man of the Moment doco. Watch it thru, hear The Voice in full operatic mode. It's astonishing. 10.11.23. UK. E❤
You might enjoy his version of Bridge Over Troubled Waters Live on the Don Lane Show or his version ot Amazing Grace with Vanetta Fields and Lyndsay Field. I always enjoy your reactions.
My father, a wonderful baritone, had incredible breathe control, being an asthmatic he learnt to use all his lung capacity. At times his asthma would be very bad, bedridden, however 2 days later he would give fantastic concert performances. Like John he was always so comfortable on stage. He was still singing in his 80’s sounding incredible, now 95 he’s definitely retired this time!
Ross Wilson was a member of Australian rock band Mondo Rock, who first performed this on their album Nuovo Mondo in 1982. Come Said The Boy is another classic song by Mondo Rock in 1984.
Another outstanding performance from John. There are so many great songs and performances from John to mention, but please look and react to more of John Farnham’s great voice and talent, and as always true to do it to live performances, as you have seen he is simply amazing live.
John’s concert with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra was epic with so many great performances like (help, Beatles cover but way different, it’s a long was to the top,AC/DC cover, playing to win, one, you’re the voice and many more). John did some amazing duets like with Olivia newton john(please don’t ask me), with jimmy barnes(when something is wrong with my baby) and an awesome version of amazing grace with two of his backing singers, and in his early years did some great covers of ( Bridge over troubled water), (you’ll never walk alone and the version he did at the Melbourne carols by candlelight, I think in the 90’s was so so good) and so many more. Please have a look at some of these as you are one of my favorite reactors but always try to react to live performances where possible, he is amazing live and puts so much into it and keep an eye out for his mic and mic stand tricks, he’s such an entertainer.
Hi Beth. I didn’t grow up listening to John Farnham or anything like that but I can certainly appreciate his voice. If you’ve got a minute try and watch ‘John Farnham: Finding the Voice’ which gives a very good insight into his story.
Thanks Beth, I'm so glad you are enjoying your adventures with John, and what si even more thrilling is you have so many more oportunities to enjoy his incredable music.
Is his technical perfection the reason that he can sound so natural? Frank Sinatra said " People say that I am feeling the emotion of the song, but I am focussing on on technique so that the audience can feel the emotion." He also said that they lyrics was the most important part, and that he was a story teller .. just like you observed that John is 😊
I've just stumbled across your channel. Firstly, my goodness you're gorgeous! 😍🥰 Ok I've got that off my chest. I'm really glad you reacted to this specific performance, it's amazing! I was especially looking forward to your reaction to him going really high after the crowd sang. Unfortunately you paused it at that moment. Would love to see a short video of that moment Thank you Evan 👌🔥
John has an incredible range; he can sing anything from country to opera. Can I suggest the following: It’s a Long Way to the Top (AC/DC cover) with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, You’re the Voice (live version), Gethsemane from Jesus Christ Superstar John’s backing singers have been with him for over 20 years.
You see him pointing to the audience because the same people have been coming to his concerts for years and he knows them by sight and appreciates their love.
HEALTH UPDATE: John Farnham released a statement today, 12 months after his marathon surgery to remove a mouth tumour, that he is cancer free. Friend, Gaynor Wheatley, added he has been singing around the house.
