John Farnham, also known as Johnny Farnham, was born in England in 1949 however has become Australia’s favourite adopted son since beginning his musical career as a teen pop idol in 1964 and really taking off in 1967 with a novelty song entitled “Sadie the Cleaning Lady”. Now known as an adult contemporary singer, mostly as a solo artist, he is also known for a brief stint as lead singer of the Little River Band as well as stage performances including the highly acclaimed “Jesus Christ Superstar” in 1992.
In September 1986 his solo single “You’re the Voice” peaked at No.1 on the Australian singles charts and the associated album “Whispering Jack” held the No.1 position for a total of 25 weeks, remaining the highest-selling album in Australian history to date.
Farnham has endured as one of Australia’s best-known performers with a career spanning over 50 years and is the only Australian artist to have a number one hit in five consecutive decades. He has been recognised with several honours including 19 industry (aria) awards and been inducted into the Hall of Fame, voted TV Week King of Pop five years in a row and been named Australian of the Year for 1987 during the bicentennial for his outstanding contribution to the Australian Music Industry. Interestingly he was not yet naturalised and a hastily organised swearing-in occurred before the title could be bestowed.
Australian rock historian Ian McFarlane has described Farnham as “retaining an affable sense of humour and a simple, unpretentious ‘everyman’ charm which also makes him one of the most respected celebrities in Australian history”.
This location has nothing to do with John Farnham other than the road sharing his name.