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National Film and Sound Archive
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Australian Music Legend John Farnham

A Tribute to John Farnham

Celebrating the illustrious career of John Farnham, a legend of the Australian music industry, with our extensive online collections.

Written by Mel Bondfield
24 June, 2019
1 minute read

Celebrate legendary singer John Farnham's career with our John Farnham and More John Farnham online curated collections.

From Johnny to Jack

Since landing his first recording contract at the age of 17, John Farnham has lived his life in the public eye. He still has the highest-selling Australian album in Australia with the 24x Platinum Whispering Jack (1986).

The first single from that album, 'You're the Voice', has become an unofficial national anthem for a generation of Australians (and their teenage kids!) and we've gathered together many live performances of the song in this compilation:

NFSA compilation of live performances by John Farnham of the song 'You're the Voice', from 1987 to 2006.

'You're the Voice' reached No. 1 on the Australian music charts and was one of the biggest hits of 1986 – not bad for a song that FM radio initially resisted playing.

It went on to success overseas, particularly in Europe, and has immediate recognition with audiences across the country and around the world.

And the winner is...

Over the decades 'Farnesy' has amassed a mountain of music and entertainment industry awards. This compilation includes footage of just a few from the NFSA collection:

NFSA compilation of entertainment industry awards won by John Farnham.

The Voice

Find rare footage, interviews, live performances and career highlights in our John Farnham and More John Farnham curated collections.

More by Mel

Collections to explore

  • John Farnham

  • Kutcha Edwards

  • Paul Hester

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