1st Time Hearing ~ AMAZING GRACE by JOHN FARNHAM ~ Reaction

[@lescraythorn2361]

Yes yes, they are all-stars! I have re-posted beresfordthomppson’s post because I thought Venetia Fields right from the start! I agree, and it brings back good memories from the past. “Epic” LesC! “These are two of John’s regular backing singers, Venetia fields and Lindsay field. This is my favorite version of this gospel classic and I think the best. Notice how far from the mic John is standing and still his magnificent voice resonates and powers through. Epic”

[@playitagainsue]

Thanks Les 😀

[@GaryNoone-jz3mq]

The other guy was Lindsay Field. Another one of John's brilliant backing singers.

[@playitagainsue]

Thanks Gary. They are all incredible 😍

[@stephenanthony6508]

Lindsey is a true professional musician. Lindsay played Rhodes Piano and guitar in a few bands before he was picked up to do backing vocals vocals for John. If im not wrong, the band he played with before joining John, was when he was playing with Brian Cadd and his band. Vanetta i believe started out with Ike Turner.

[@playitagainsue]

Awesome! Thanks Stephen. I appreciate the backstory. They are both amazing singers 🤩

[@AussieDebb]

This gives me goosebumps every time. ❤

[@playitagainsue]

I agree, Debbie. It is so beautiful 🤩

[@Rassskle]

Lindsay Field is one of those musical geniuses who gets little fame but loads of work. Has managed and conducted many big musical extravaganzas such as opening / closing ceremonies for Olympic Games etc as well as playing rhythm guitar and vocals for Farnham.

[@playitagainsue]

Hey Kent, thanks for that. It sounds like John is lucky to have Lindsey just as Lindsey is lucky to play with such a great guy like John 🤩

[@Rassskle]

@@playitagainsue I was surprised to find out that the piano player did all the arranging for John. I always assumed it would be Lindsay. lol

[@playitagainsue]

@@Rassskle very interesting. Thanks Kent 🤗

[@jayweb51]

There is an audio only pre-concert warm-up mic check, where John and the band sing Led Zeppelin's Black Dog. It is something to hear. John was once requested to sing with Queen; he has performed with Brian May.

[@playitagainsue]

Very cool, James. I will check it out i bet he would have done a great job with Queen songs 🤩

[@beresfordthompson1370]

These are two of John’s regular backing singers, Venetia fields and Lindsay field. This is my favorite version of this gospel classic and I think the best. Notice how far from the mic John is standing and still his magnificent voice resonates and powers through. Epic.

[@playitagainsue]

Hi Beresford, thanks for tuning in and commenting. This was a magnificent performance. All of their voices are so strong...unbelievable version 🤩

[@kennethdodemaide8678]

You might like John singing "Bridge Over Troubled Water". It gives another perspective on John's singing ability. I think it was 1979.

[@playitagainsue]

Awesome thanks Kenneth 😀

[@joanvantrier4308]

You would love John singing, You'll never walk alone ", at Christmas by candlelight. John was at his peak, also with his amazing backup singers.

[@playitagainsue]

Thank you so much, Joan. I will give it a listen 🤗

[@wesleygalvin9983]

Yes, they took us to church. What I truly love about this performance, is that while this is during one of John's shows, Venetta is clearly the star here. And John is, as always, humble and gracious enough to know that. Thank you for loving and sharing great Australian music around the world. G'day mate, from Australia.

[@playitagainsue]

Hey Wesley, this was my pleasure. What a great point. John is clearly not only a great singer but an amazing human being as well 🤩

[@Saan42]

As someone else has said, try Love's In Need, it's John singing lead and his entire band singing a capella backup, it's beautiful. The more you watch John, the more you will see the same people again and again in his band - many of the musicians stayed with him for decades, which says a lot about who he is as a person! Lindsay and Venetta you will see singing backup in all the shows from the 80s onwards, and Lisa Edwards is another, but I don't think she had joined by this stage - this concert was his Whispering Jack tour, the album that was his comeback after being ignored in Australia for many years, so this would have been the first time solo that he had a full band and decent sized venues like this. Hope to see you do many more reactions to John, there really is so much to discover about him - he is a phenomenal vocalist, and his versatility is just unbelievable - he knocks everything out of the park, no matter what the genre!

[@playitagainsue]

Hi Saan, thank you for your lovely comment. I will look for Lyndsay and Venetta doing back up now and for that song. Yes from everything everyone has been saying, it sounds like John is a top notch person. I love hearing this. Why did you say John was ignored for a while in Australia? From all the conversations I have had with people from Australia, I thought he had been admired since the 1960s. Let me know 😀

[@Saan42]

@@playitagainsue Well, he started as a teen pop idol when he was 17 years old, overnight success and then won King of Pop awards etc., but maybe didn't have a huge amount of credibility because of some of the dinky songs he sang. There is actually footage of him doing a concert at 22 (search John Farnham Festival Hall if you want to see), and he does have an amazing voice, but his music probably made some people write him off as someone for just teenage girls. That popularity faded, and whilst he still got some performances on daytime TV shows, he pretty much disappeared into obscurity from the mid 70s to the mid 80s, was playing in shitty venues to tiny crowds (we're talking maybe 20-30 people), and the public had pretty much forgotten about him (edited to give credit to his group of fans that never forgot about him, but they weren't enough to sustain a career unfortunately). He did lead vocals for The Little River Band for about 3 years in the early 80s, and I love some of those performances, but they are most famous with their previous lead singer, Glenn Shorrock. This album (Whispering Jack) was released in 1986, and was basically his last attempt at getting some traction in the music industry. At this point he was broke, and no record label would back him, so his manager and best friend Glenn Wheatley mortgaged his house to pay for this album. It's the biggest selling album by an Australian artist in Australia to this day, and John has been a beloved icon here and never looked back since. There is a documentary called Finding The Voice that was released earlier this year that's worth a watch if you're interested, it's about John's journey. Not going to say it's the best doco ever made - I feel in some ways it was a missed opportunity - but it's definitely interesting enough for a watch, and has some great old footage and good insight into his career :)

[@playitagainsue]

@Saan42 Wow, that sounds very interesting. What a risk his manager took putting up his house. That shows a great deal of confidence and loyality...so great. I will look for the doc you mentioned. Thanks a bunch, Saan. I appreciate the backstory 😀🧡

[@JAWs313]

This performance of the song is so monumental that it is now in the database of Australia's Most historic ]investment of audio/media. You can look up the website and any great events that have occurred in the last 100years or since things have started to be recorded anyway, certain sound bites were were deemed the most historic/important of the era and saved in an online library so those in hundreds of years times will still be able to look back on what those moments were and why they were so important and this particular performance is so phenomenal that itsnow been placed in that database.

[@playitagainsue]

@JAWs313 Hey Caspers, I am glad it made it into this library and so well deserved too 🤩💚

[@karenstrong8887]

I love John singing with Venetta Fields and Lyndsey Field. Two of his much loved backup singers. I love how Venetta looks at him with such love because they are all his family. She teaches voice a few hours from me now. John taught me that everyone on stage is important and backup singers have names. Lisa was on a baby break I think and yes, John is one of nicest people you could meet. Thank you.

[@playitagainsue]

Hi Karen, I love that they are all so close. Imagine having voice lessons from Venetta...so amazing. The 3 of them singing together is absolutely out of this world 🥰

[@jeffwilson7100]

This was 1986, before Lisa joined him.

[@devilsadvocate2548]

​@jeffwilson7100 this concert, Whispering Jack live, was recorded 1987 instead of 1986. You're 100% correct it is 'pre-Lisa' though as she didn't join the band until 1988 for session vocal recording for Age of Reason and subsequent tours. Random fact is she originally joined the band in 1988 as a flautist before moving on to vocals!

[@roslynjonsson2383]

That Vanetta Fields (American) and Lindsay Field. Both were Johns backup singers for many years I was at this concert, and there wasn't a dry eye anywhere near me, including myself and my husband lol. I still get goosebumps when I hear this ❤❤❤❤

[@playitagainsue]

Hi Roslym, I can totally believe their were no dry eyes. What a great experience that must have been. I love that their names are Fields and Field. It was like they were meant to sing together 🤗

[@carolynh8866]

Who needs a choir when you have those three together. Lindsay has such a smooth and mellow voice and picks up all the low tones, Venetta voice just soares into the stratosphere with the high tones and John just completes the story with high and low tones and everything in the middle. My absolute favourite performance of this song by any artist. Both Venetta and Lindsay have been John's primary back up singers since the 80's. Venetta retired in the late 90's and Lindsay was still still touring with John right up till 2019 when covid struck. I love the little looks of total adoration and respect that they give each other through out that performance. For a similar performance try all three of them singing togther again along with his other regular back up singer Lisa Edwards , at Carols by Candlelight. There's 2 songs on the video, Mary's Boy Child and You'll Never Walk Alone. Both are spectacular . But for the reaction do You'll Never Walk Alonem.kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmrYgJqtnNanlZo

[@playitagainsue]

Oh my goodnes, I couldn't have described it better, Carolyn. Thanks so much. I will definitely check out your link. I appreciate it 🤗

[@kerrynanderson1996]

She is Vanetta Fields. She was an Ikette back in the day. Lindsay Field was the other singer.

[@playitagainsue]

@kerrynanderson1996 thank you, Kerryn, she sure can sing 🤗

[@loucee569]

Hi Sue. If you loved this performance, I'm sure you will also appreciate John singing 'Angels' Live 2000 with his long time backing vocalist Lisa Edwards. Their harmonies are out of this world.

[@playitagainsue]

Awesome, thanks Loucee. I look forward to hearing it 🤩

[@stevefoulston]

Venetta Lee Fields (born 1941) is an American-born Australian singer and musical theatre actress, and vocal coach. Fields was a backing vocalist for touring American and British rock and pop acts of the 1960s and 1970s, as well as working as a session recording vocalist, she worked with artists including Ike & Tina Turner, Pink Floyd, Humble Pie, Barbra Streisand, Elkie Brooks, Neil Diamond, Steely Dan, Boz Scaggs, Bob Seger and the Rolling Stones. After emigrating to Australia in 1982, she took up citizenship. She recorded or toured as a backing singer for Australian artists Richard Clapton, Australian Crawl, Cold Chisel, Jimmy Barnes, James Morrison and John Farnham. Peace out.

[@playitagainsue]

Wow, thanks Steve. That is amazing. Venetta is truly impressive. She has sung with some huge stars. 😀

[@kethlyfallon5095]

Love love loved your reaction to John and his two backup singers Vanetta Field and Lindsey Fields. Love your appreciation of John

[@playitagainsue]

Thank you so much for your kind words and for watching, Kethly. It is my pure pleasure. John is something special 😍

[@bigs1546]

and almost all a capella !!

[@playitagainsue]

YES, Bigs! Such a geeat point...amazing 🤗💜

[@divinemadness7119]

John Farnham, Venetta Firlds & Lindsay Field. Venetta has sung with Ike & Tina Turner & Barbra Streisand & many more. Lindsay is a very highly regarded musician. Both Venetta & Lindsay have worked with John for many years as his backup singers. They all sound incredible together. Great reaction Sue it is spine tingling listening to them perform this song. This song was performed in 1986 when Whispering Jack suddenly took off & John started performing in bigger venues in longer shows. They didn’t quite have enough material for a full concert so they decided to sing their warm up song to fill in time for the show.

[@playitagainsue]

Hi Divine, nice to hear from you. Yes it is definitely spine tingling! They are incredible 🤩

[@devilsadvocate2548]

This recording/concert/song was performed in 1987.

[@divinemadness7119]

@@devilsadvocate2548 yes, quite right. I got it confused with when the album was released 🤦🏽‍♀️😂

[@joanmonaghan8428]

John was actually awarded Australian of the Year in 1987 for his contributions to the Australian Music Industry and his volunteer work for charities, where he organised concerts at a moment's notice and all proceeds from these went help after various natural disasters. He was usually one of the first to volunteer for such events.

[@playitagainsue]

Hi Joan, John just seems like such a great guy. Australia is lucky to have him 🤩

[@stevefoulston]

A well known and highly respected talent in the Australian music industry Lindsay is recognised not only for his skills as a vocalist and musician but has also established a strong reputation as an inspirational vocal coach, arranger, musical director and executive producer. In addition Lindsay’s speaking voice, which was immediately described as liquid chocolate, has been gracing the airwaves in response to the growing demand for his skills as a voice over artist not related to Venetta Fields. Peace out.

[@playitagainsue]

Thanks Steve. They are incredible 🤩

[@jano9091]

Great reaction Sue. Thank you!

[@playitagainsue]

Thanks so much Jmon. It was my sincere pleasure 🤩

[@kennethdodemaide8678]

Beautiful. You have to be a great singer to match it with John and Vanetta is. The best version I have ever heard.

[@playitagainsue]

Hi Kenneth, I agree with you 💯. This is the most beautiful version of this song. So much talent on one stage 😍

[@markjames3522]

Venetta Fields is American session singer that was in The Ikettes . After working around the world for number of worlds biggest artist like Pink Floyd , The Rolling Stone in 1982 she moved to Australia and became a Australian citizen Venetta worked with number of Australian artists like Cold Chisel , Australian Crawl and Richard Clapton before joining The Farnham Band late 1986 Venetta stayed as permanent member Farnham band until 1994 after 94 she only made few casual appearances . And recorded her first solo album before retiring . Lindsey Field is the male singer he also joined the Farnham Band late 1986 he has remained as member of Farnham Band ever since , he also plays acoustic and rhythm guitars when needed . John does a great version of You’ll Never Walk Alone Here’s the link , this version was performed at charity concert for drought stricken farmers. kzbin.info/www/bejne/moi3dpipl5x5qLssi=6Pg-4ddIV87GiE7S Over the decades John has raise more for charities than his own personal wealth.

[@playitagainsue]

Wow, good for him. What an amazing person. I love to hear about artists that give back so much...very kind of him. Thanks for that Mark 😍

[@jeffwilson7100]

John, Venetta, Lindsay and Lisa at Carols by Candlelight. Singing Mary’s Boy Child and You’ll Never walk Alone.

[@playitagainsue]

Thanks Jeff, that will be a great one around Christmas then 😀

[@denisbryce8746]

Surprisingly, there are quite a few Black American Singers that are in Australia. Venetta is one of those & they are all incredible.

[@playitagainsue]

Very cool, Denis! Venetta is amazing 🤗

[@XolaresTiberius]

She had an amazing kick! for Jonny

[@kathleenmayhorne3183]

Hay mate was mainly to feed stock during a very long drought, 7 years is common, the farmers in other regions without drought had feed, so it was trucked in, on semis piled high, people came in farm vehicles to take it home, caught up with their neighbours, encouraged each other and saved their herds

[@playitagainsue]

Love this Kathleen! It is so amazing when the greater community all gets involved to make something better...incredible. Thanks for the background 😀

[@jeffwilson7100]

This wasn’t Hey Mate. That was almost 30 years later.

[@georgeibrahim7945]

Thanks heaps for the awesome reaction. This performance always moves me and gives goosebumps, this is what music is all about. Can you also please react to Stan Walker “amazing grace” live with the Levites, Stan’s voice is phenomenal too

[@playitagainsue]

Hi George, this was my complete pleasure. What a fantastic performance. I will check it out 😀

[@georgeibrahim7945]

@@playitagainsue awesome can’t wait 🙏

[@melissawhite9964]

John can sing anything you should take a look at him singing, when the war is over from his last time tour or Comic Conversation from the jacks back tour you get to see so of his sense of humour in both of them or playing to win all great songs

[@playitagainsue]

Thank you, Melissa. I will check it out 🤩

[@barefoot_ross]

John is amazing as ever with anything he sings. One of my favorite versions of Amazing Grace is by Pentatonix, I would recommend you check them out, you won't be disappointed.

[@playitagainsue]

Thanks Barefoot, I will give it a listen 🤩

[@lindadavy5957]

There both his backing singers

[@MargaretGuppy]

Another brilliant performance! John, his backup singers & band members do an amazing rendition of Love's in Need, acapella. Try John singing the role of Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar; Gethsemane, epic! Enjoy. (So many more to explore - don't get me started in naming them all).

[@playitagainsue]

Haha you can name all you want, Margaret. I will definitely check them out. Thanks for those suggestions 🤗

[@MargaretGuppy]

@@playitagainsue OK, You asked for it - lol Always listen to John's LIVE versions Listen to the Wind Georgia (early days of John's career) Angels (with one of his long time back up singers; Lisa Edwards) When Something is Wrong with my Baby (duet with Jimmy Barnes - Hey, Hey It's Saturday version (includes Jimmy's brother-in-law Johnny Diesel (aka Mark Lisotte)) Help (Beatles cover - I like his Whispering Jack concert one where he starts off with the Beatles version, then morphs into his own - so very different) In Days to Come When the War is Over. Burn for You In Your Hands A Touch of Paradise Bridge Over Troubled Water (Simon & Garfunkle cover - early days of John) Granada - Duet with Anthony Warlow (Talented Aussie Opera singer, well know for his Phantom in Phantom of the Opera) --- from the same production Please Don't Ask Me - duet with Olivia Newton-John (RIP) My Yiddishe Mumma - Hey, Hey It's Saturday version with Tom Jones. It's a Long Way to the Top (if you wanna rock'n roll) Melbourne Symphony Orchestra - all of this show is brilliant You're the Voice We're No Angels Who's Loving You Two Strong Hearts Age of Reason Black Dog (Led Zeppelin cover) - Audio only but so well worth listening to.... I'm sure I have missed some epic ones! so many to choose from! But there's more.... such a huge talent and a vault of songs to research. Enjoy!

[@playitagainsue]

@@MargaretGuppy haha awesome!! Thanks for that. That gives me lots to choose from 😀

[@divinemadness7119]

⁠@@MargaretGuppybrilliant & fantastic suggestions!! I’ve seen most & some are new so thanks so much for these suggestions 🤗

[@divinemadness7119]

@@playitagainsueimo Black Dog, It’s a Long Way to the Top, or Gesthemene should be next Sue but honestly whatever takes your fancy. It’s hard to go wrong with Farnsey!

[@jeffwilson7100]

Venetta was an Ikette.

[@playitagainsue]

Very cool. I love all the connections with other artists 🤩

[@AussieDebb]

You need to listen to You'll Never Walk Alone by John live at Carols by Candlelight and Gethsemane 1992 Sydney final night of Jesus Christ Superstar xx

[@playitagainsue]

Thanks Debbie. I will check them out 🤗

[@davidcruse6589]

If you want to see he's personality look up this one with his other back up singer Angels with John Farnham and Lisa Edwards Also John Farnham and Jimmy barnes Singing when there something wrong with my baby live version Jimmy barnes is equally as good as John and they both held top ten Aussie charts 6 decade's Jimmy barnes and Tina turner simply the best duo is something you may like as well a young Jimmy Cheers mate 🦘🇦🇺👍

[@playitagainsue]

Hey David, thanks so much for that. I will check it out. I will definitely do the John and Jimmy duet you suggested. I just did Jimmy and Tina's Simply the Best about 3 weeks ago. It was amazing. I loved it. You should check out my reaction if you are interested 🤩

[@Saan42]

@@playitagainsue The duet is great - there are a few recordings out there, can I suggest that you search for the version from Hey Hey It's Saturday (a TV show), as it has the best sound and vision of all the versions :)