John Farnham: The voice behind The Voice
· 55 min
Episode John Farnham: The voice behind The Voice
You’re The Voice remains a favourite for generations of Australians and the album it's on, Whispering Jack, has sold more than 1.5 million copies. But John Farnham was 37 by the time he recorded that album and the music industry wasn’t all that interested in a new direction from a 60s pop star - until word of mouth began spreading that this was something special.
In some ways it’s that background that makes the result so remarkable. Andrew Ford charts the story behind Farnham's biggest hit and explores why Farnham's voice has earned him such admiration.
Featuring interviews with David Hirschfelder, Gaynor Wheatley, Michael Paynter, and Poppy Stockell.
The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend, The Celebration Concert is on September 20.
The Sydney Theatre Company’s musical, Whispering Jack, begins on November 15.
Music heard in this program:
Title: Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My HeadArtist: John FarnhamComposer: Burt Bacharach & Hal DavidAlbum: Looking Through A TearLabel: Columbia
Title: Sadie The Cleaning LadyArtist: John FarnhamComposer: David White, John Madara, Ray GilmoreAlbum: SadieLabel: Columbia
Title: Playing To WinArtist: Little River BandComposer: John Farnham, Graham GobleAlbum: Playing To WinLabel: Capitol Records
Title: The TempleArtist: John FarnhamComposer: Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim RiceAlbum: Jesus Christ Superstar - 1992 Australian Cast Label: Polydor
Title: Age of ReasonArtist: John FarnhamComposer: Johanna Pigott, Todd HunterAlbum: Age of ReasonLabel: Wheatley Records
Title: That's FreedomArtist: John FarnhamComposer: Jean Anne Chapman, Tom KimmelAlbum: Chain ReactionLabel: Wheatley Records
Title: You're The VoiceArtist: John FarnhamComposer: Andy Qunta, Chris Thompson, Keith Reid, Maggie RyderAlbum: Whispering JackLabel: Wheatley Records
Title: Blind EyesArtist: Little River BandComposer: John Farnham, David Hirschfelder, Ray ChapmanAlbum: Playing To WinLabel: Capitol Records
Title: It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'N' Roll)Artist: John FarnhamComposer: Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Bon ScottAlbum: Age of ReasonLabel: Wheatley Records
Title: Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say)Artist: John FarnhamComposer: Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim RiceAlbum: Jesus Christ Superstar - 1992 Australian Cast Label: Polydor
Title: Pressure DownArtist: John FarnhamComposer: Harry BogdanovsAlbum: Whispering JackLabel: Wheatley Records
The Music Show is made on Gadigal, Gundungurra, and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country Country
Technical production by Antonia Gauci
Links in the notes 2
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