John Farnham - Bridge Over Troubled Water | Vocalist From The UK Reacts

#JOHNFARNHAM #BRIDGEOVERTROUBLEDWATER #ROADTO100K
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My reaction to John Farnham - Bridge Over Troubled Water
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[@DebraBing]

Hard to believe that this was when no record company would sign him and no radio station would play him. Bless you Glenn Wheatley R.I.P

[@ladymanners618]

I remember. "Too clean cut" for the drug addled set. I agree, Bless you Glenn Wheatley for literally banking your house on your friend. John didn't let you down.

[@wyattfamily8997]

@@ladymanners618 And remember when Glenn wnet through hard times John stood by him.

[@Gymnastics-er3kx]

@@wyattfamily8997, yes they were best friends, so very sad that Glen passed with complications from Covid John lost his bestie.

[@dolphindeb56]

Oh! So well said Deb! I cried watching this, so many years since I had seen this. Remember when he sang it! That was how Bridge Over Waters was suppose to be sung was what my Dad rose off the chair tears flowing & fist in the air. Such a memory! lol Hugs Debbie

[@DebraBing]

@@dolphindeb56 💕

[@wesleygalvin9983]

This is John Farnham, so you just know he is going to pull out all stops. And this is when he is very young... WOW! He had already started two of the things he has become well known for. Regulating his sound by pulling back on the microphone and acknowledging the people he is sharing the stage with. And yes, let's acknowledge the gentleman on piano, beautiful. Thank you for sharing John's music around the world, g'day from Australia.

[@possumsnest]

Sitting here watching this for the umpteenth time, tears down my face. Just so proud that you understand his gift and how much he means to his fans. Bless you 💖

[@jamesatkinson7517]

I am a 62 year old man and was to gutless to say what you just said. But here I go ,I also had tears rolling down my cheeks. I am so proud of him. This song has been in my KZbin playlist for years. I love it. Actually I probably love anything he sings. I wish I could sing,but at least I can enjoy him singing. Hearing the passion of other people talking about him somehow just makes me emotional, too.

[@shenoashbay1361]

Yes that was absolutely amazing, that he couldn't get a record deal or have someone sign him up particularly with the voice he has, unbelievable. Thank God for his manager Glenn Wheatley who mortgage his own home because he had so much faith in John , and the rest is history. 💕 Love John Farnham

[@shenoashbay1361]

It does make you wonder about these talent scouts ,and just exactly what there looking for For me personally it's all about the music and the ability to make me feel and live those lyrics in that song , and John Farnham does do that with every song he sings.

[@HelenLeach-q9v]

Date on screen is 1979. John was born in July, 1949. So he is about 30 here. He looks like he is 16. He has such a baby face. Beautiful song.

[@mariannekresse4957]

One of my favourite Australian singers! Have love him since I was young. He never misses in whatever he sings! Thanks for the reaction!

[@katietaylor3722]

I have written elsewhere that John Farnham is a phenomenon. He always sings from his heart and soul. I just love this man.

[@mp4986]

He does an awesome rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone too.

[@barbaraschain9260]

Exceptionally gifted along with being just a damn great person in the mix. Bless you always for what you have given the music industry. So proud of you as one of our own John. 🇦🇺🐨👌

[@Rlee571]

Oh my goodness. He sings the ass off that!

[@sueadams7196]

Just gorgeous! He enunciates so perfectly, ànd his pitch is perfect! Truly a God given talent, and he has only gotten bettèr, if that is possible! Praying for him to recover.

[@shirleystrain1828]

😂Have loved John all my life.Enjoyed live performance here in WAust and his recordings.Get well soon John.

[@marynoonan6111]

Well, we also need to acknowledge the lanky yank Don Lane - he was influential about getting John Farnham airtime on his very popular show. He actively tried to help him in his career when nobody else seem to. Darrell summers too

[@jj-if6it]

I love John because you're right, he means every word. Nothing fake about him

[@fransmith3255]

This is one of those 'singer's go to songs' because it allows a singer to show the breadth and width of what they can do. Classic audition song. But although many, many singers, very famous singers, have sung this song, and very well too, NONE of them have come remotely CLOSE to how well young John sings this!! He literally blows every one of those very talented singers well and truly out of the water.

[@kennykarlsson6691]

The master of every music genre. The voice of all time. ❤

[@kaypaton3263]

John feels his songs he us mesmerizing

[@sumdouglas3376]

I also have no understanding how his pure talent was missed. His beautiful soul his cheekiness buuuut his pure TALENT. He’s amazing

[@glendamears3618]

John Farnham needed world recognition years ago😌🤗 but it's good our best singer is getting his time now. Thankyou

[@jenniferanderson1499]

Ohhh I'd forgotten about the Don Lane Show! One night Sammy Davis Jr (good friend of Don's) was on, and Sammy went apeshit over John! Wanted to take him back to the States then and there. Poor John was star struck and shy, and clearly overwhelmed by such adulatory praise from such a master performer.

[@vickiemather7330]

not bad for a person who has never had a singing lesson in his life! I agree, best song ever written!

[@carokat1111]

My favourite John Farnham performance.

[@narellesmith7932]

So simple yet effective! A great Artist . (Before the smokes . Not as raspy when he was younger) 😊

[@carbine5378]

I’d say this wasn’t before the smokes, he most probably had only been smoking for several years then. It takes time for cigs to take their toll, often something like 50 years, so I’d say John was doing very well

[@NowVs1980s]

He is incredible. So privileged to see him sing live in his Whispering Jack tour of Australia when I was just 17 yrs old in high school. ✨🙏🏾💜💜💜

[@rickandersen2284]

Love love the early John...

[@eileencollins2536]

I believe the slide player was her dad, and her brother was the one doing the harmony and was on guitar. 😊

[@josephdelvecchio599]

Last year John had part of his jaw removed due to cancer...everyone is praying for him...

[@Bradie69]

So very beautiful

[@miskokinoo]

Ok, Charlie! I'm 99.99999% sure you would absolutely love to hear Lucy Thomas. She's about 19. She's on youtube. She just posted her cover of this very song. Absolute masterpiece. John Farnham is a singer I listen to every day as I freakin luv him. There's something i can't put into words about him...and same thing is happening with this young lady: Lucy Thomas. Pick any of her covers. She is infuckincredible!! What a beautiful soul, as is John Farnham, hence why I listen to both of them daily. They are healing my soul.

[@kathleenmayhorne3183]

Around this time he did Georgia as well, very well.

[@joanvantrier4308]

Try John singing with Laura Branigan. I WANT TO KNOW WHAT LOVE IS. 2 powerhouses.

[@SvendBosanvovski]

Great review Charlie. One of Australia's best imports from the mother country..

[@bigadz0r]

John does a killer version of YNWA too, but you probably already knew that, there's not much he hasn't sung and dominated

[@kimr3729]

this is lovely, a trip down memory lane for so many of John's fans. My suggestion is that you have a look at him singing "When the War is Over" - he is older in this clip, but all I will say is make sure you're sitting down for the third verse! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJbOk6migd-AjcU

[@FreeTheRocks]

I guess technically that was Johnny Farnham if the date is correct....:):):):)

[@sueaddison9958]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@vickigreen9545]

Who were JF’s teachers?? Much has been made of him being a plumber as a youth but there have to have been singing lessons in there somewhere! The world owes this teacher or teachers a huge debt of gratitude for their preparation of JF for his super amazing career - kudos!!!

[@raeleenmason2820]

No formal lessons I believe.

[@AussieDebb]

He had no formal lessons just pure natural God given talent and he is so humble about it. He is the G.O.A.T. ❤😂🎉

[@deborahdennehy9937]

John Farnham certainly is an excellent singer, there is no denying it, yet I feel Simon & Garfunkels original song from it, to me, is just sensational. Please don't think I don't like John Farnham, I know he is also superb in his own right, well done to him. xx

[@AnnQlder]

Our Farnsey is a complete song thief, once he sings it he owns it

[@TempleofChristMinistries]

John Farnham voice is fantastic, however, he oversang this song and that's a problem a lot of singers do, which removes the crescendo when it is needed, so you wait for the buildup but it has passed and gone because he did it before it should have happened, I do not like this version of this song because he over sang it, and that's a big problem with a lot of singers.

[@whatever9770]

Stop interrupting all the time. Give your opinion at the end please.

[@TheCharlieSmithChannel]

No. If I don't stop the video it doesn't qualify as fair use for copyright and I risk getting my video demonetised, if not blocked all together. You're not supposed to get the same viewing experience as the original. If you want that then just go and watch it and not a review 🙄.

[@JoSedunary]

Farnsey's diction has always been so good... you can understand every word he sings... one of the best vocalists ever... Hoping for a better year for him and his family.

[@elizabethscott7660]

Yes, and even though our accent means we pronounce t as d, he leans more to a pure t.

[@MechanicalSculptor]

@@elizabethscott7660 I don’d know whad you mean.

[@jeremykothe2847]

he en-un-ci-ates. blessed with a clear voice

[@jeremykothe2847]

@@MechanicalSculptor He's saying, and he's right, that the Australian accent tends to flatten a sharp T sound into a D. We have a nasal, broad way of speaking that he's actively working to correct.

[@eileencollins2536]

I love watching you "get" john fever. Australia knows how brilliant he is. Love watching someone else getting him ❤

[@carolynh8866]

I always look forward to your reactions Charlie. And this one did not dissapoint. Thank you for enjoying John as much as we in Australia do. Scarily, if it wasnt for the likes of Don Lane, and also the TV networks who gave him his own variety shows back in the late 70's John may have disappeared into oblivion. Damn record companies had their heads up their backsides for a while there. And god bless Glenn Wheatley for gamblimg everything to give John his second chance.

[@lindylufromoz5111]

It makes me smile that you love Farnham as much as I do. I was there watching him live at his very first tv performance. I was 10 years old in 1967. I'm 65 now & have loved him ever since our first meeting. My beautiful dad worked with him on most of John's telly appearances until Dad retired. I've talked & played with John hundreds of times coz he was always loving, kind, humble, calm & so funny, every single time, not only to me but to every person he encountered, and I'm sure you're aware of that. It will be heartbreaking, the world over, if he dies from his current health crisis. He is to me, one of the greatest voices of the century. Thank you Charlie. This is the first time I've watched you, loved it & I'll be back frequently. ** if Farnsie happens to read this, my dad was "GHC" & you loved him especially when he called you "Johnny Farmhand". I haven't talked to you in about 10 years & you cried when I told you Dad died in 2007. xx Linda.

[@possumsnest]

Such beautiful words ♥️

[@hiiiii388]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@sueaddison9958]

🤗🤗🤗😎🌏🪐🌕🙏🌸🇦🇺🐦👣🐝🦋🍂🏡🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹 how wonderful! He's such a beautiful human❤️❤️❤️

[@theghost6412]

You hit the nail on the head with everything you comment on John. There are a lot of reactors who have sampled John's work and I believe most really have been blown away with his performances and were hooked, line and sinker genuinely and fast become big fans of his. It is saddening that it took KZbin for the world to wake up and pay attention to him and many more legendary artists.

[@fringelilyfringelily391]

I first heard John in 1968 ... let that just sink in ... what a huge career ! This man's beautiful personality just radiates though his music making ... no wonder the whole country loves him.

[@Dr_KAP]

One of my all time favourite performances, young John in his little brown suit. Shout out to tv host Don Lane who always gave John air time and supported his career during the down times!

[@mssuziquzi]

The late Don Lane was a huge fan of John's and never missed a chance to applaud his talent. RIP Don.❤

[@carolynh8866]

Here we go Dr Kaps famous Little Brown suit. Don Lane certainly was a huge supporter of John Farnham.

[@Dr_KAP]

@@carolynh8866you know me too well 😂

[@karenstrong8887]

I am grateful Don Lane gave him time on his show. If you met him in person you would know what a Pompous ass he was.

[@Kazeemi2810]

I grew up watching The Don Lane Show in the 80's. Such good memories. Such good comedy, interviews & performances 😍

[@donnam5891]

Great reaction, mate. Love what you said about his enunciation and how he projects and puts feelings & emotions into every word. I agree absolutely. I enjoy all of his performances and love the variety. 💕

[@MargaretGuppy]

John would have only been about 21 then, a natural born singer and entertainer and all round nice guy! Brilliant!

[@Dr_KAP]

No he was actually 30 here ! This was in 1979.

[@carokat1111]

@@Dr_KAP Such a baby face!

[@margaretcolquhoun4111]

As Dr Kap says, he was in his 30s. I'd been to see him in his first tours in 1969, in a small pub in outback Queensland when both he and I were officially too young to go to the bar. And he was brilliant. It is still one of the best concerts I ever attended.

[@barnowl5774]

We must thank Don Lane for the TV time and later Glenn Wheatley, who believed in Diamond John and placed him in a a right and better light, so we could all hear and see his dazzling and sparkling singing performances.

[@eileenmewburn9913]

Such a brilliant performer, he can sing ANYTHING, have loved him for 50 years, God Bless You John, get well soon, we miss you.

[@georgeibrahim7945]

Such an incredible voice, so smooth and clear .

[@anniej8311]

Every so often, something comes along that touches me deeply and leaves me with a huge lump in my throat. John Farnham singing this song is it.

[@paulineh4019]

I've heard John sing this before but shed a tear listening to it again just now.

[@LyndaHill]

And goosebumps. Always the goosebumps.

[@debrapersson101]

Beautiful, What can't this man sing. The best Australian singer if not in the world.

[@lilianboiten9867]

He's from the UK actually 😊

[@jenniewilliams6392]

​​@@lilianboiten9867left when he was 10 you can't claim him hes ours

[@magpiegirl3783]

So, he’s been singing like that for 50 years. Special.

[@aussie_chick]

I’m a massive fan of John, always have been. I’ve never seen this performance. Such a joy…although I’m blubbering…all the feels!

[@jennygavrilovic7415]

I’ve just shared this on our fan page. Farnsey is the G.O.A.T after all & let’s not forget “The Voice”!

[@lisaelliott5096]

Great reaction Charlie i love John F been to many of his concerts you loved him singing Bridge over Troubled water you should check him out singing You'll Never walk Alone i am sure you will love it

[@Kiwiskirt]

He is "The Voice" nothing else needs to be said. And I'm a Kiwi but even I grew up on John's music. Can't get enough, wishing him a swift and full recovery from NZ. Thanks for loving him too :)

[@justlinsu]

Oh thanks so much for reviewing this one Charlie. We are so blessed to have so much recorded history of John Farnham. So many of his performances were filmed or videoed so we have the pleasure to rewatch or perhaps see them for the first time. Thank you for sharing your critique of this beautiful performance. I will share this link with John's fan page...

[@peterhinde8342]

Charlie you are a awesome presenter so humble and kind Godbleshya! Mate.

[@utha2665]

We don't often get to see much of John's earlier work, he certainly had a different style back in the 70s, more pop than rock. Thanks for the reaction.

[@mssuziquzi]

The incredible young Farnsey on The Done Lane Show many years back. It would be really good to see an older John singing When the War is Over - (Live) The Last Time Melbourne after this. You'll be amazed at how great his voice still is.😲

[@xxTICxxTOCxx]

John Farnham is one of those musicians who always chooses the right tools to craft a beautiful rendition of every song he sings. He has so many vocal 'tools' but is very selective about what is needed, and where, to elevate every performance. Too many 'vocalists' just use the music as a backing track to them showing you their entire tool kit even before the second verse kicks in. And Auto-Tune isn't one of John's tools/crutches!!!

[@Sometimes-even-lyrical]

Both art and craft... beautiful.

[@JaneDoe-se8ku]

John is always amazing, from the beginning of his career, to his last, live performance a few years ago, at the charity concert for the bushfires.

[@Tamara_Jean]

Growing up, John was with us at every family event, cracking dad-jokes on tv appearances… It sounds silly, but it wasn’t until I was older that I realised we aren’t actually related, but he was such a big part of our lives, and so down to earth that I just felt like he was part of our family. You said in one of your earlier John videos that he feels like home, and that’s absolutely spot on.

[@davidcruse6589]

You'll love these two with his back up singers given front row Type in John Farnham and venetta fields and Lindsay fields amazing grace Type in John Farnham and Lisa Edwards angels The second one will show you John Aussie larrikin that fames never stolen and why his loved just a Aussie bloke at heart 🦘🇦🇺👍

[@tiaelina1090]

Definitely a must to watch…. Amazing Grace gave me chills it was so special, and “Angels” just shows how funny and down to earth John is.

[@lyndamac1058]

I love John farnham, he is one very special performer and I grew up listening to him and been to so many concerts. I got to meet and chat with him a couple of times and he is just a good human being. He lives up the road from me.. wow do I sound like a stalker?? haha no just coincidence lol. I am not sure if he is still in rehab or home but I wish him a full recovery.

[@rickandersen2284]

No misheard lyrics there!

[@elizabethscott7660]

Every time I listen to him I am reminded that without any training at all he is still a vocal master. And it's probably a good thing. I also love that every live performance is just that little bit different from every other one. He's more than a box of chocolates😄

[@alicedelphine2352]

I agree Elizabeth. Every time he sings a song he changes it and, I would say improves it, so you never get bored and neither does he, I guess. With no formal training he just has a God given instinct for how to interpret each song he chooses. I guess that's why he has time to work on other skills he's not as good at. Like the Mike stand throw and remembering the words to his classics. 🤣😅

[@dondelbiondo1258]

Great review.... check out Age of Reason.... live .... opening song with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.... outstanding

[@kerryp3079]

You had me in tears again John! Love this. Thanks Charlie ❤

[@noelanderson8915]

I heard one reaction and got a laugh about what one of the ladies said. "John could sing the phone book and I'd listen to it" I thought that was a "Cracker" and I don't mean a cracker biscuit. 😁🤣😆😁😅

[@tonyb4115]

It's funny, because whatever channel 9 paid him and thank you to Don Lane. It gave us this, a snapshot in time, love it.

[@gavinholt5428]

Your face throughout that performance just said it all !! 😀👍 Great reaction!

[@kennethdodemaide8678]

I totally agree with everything you said. Another faultless performance from John..

[@sunisbest1234]

John sings with his heart and soul. Every. Single. Time. And what a huge heart and soul he has. 💖

[@jkl1202]

Check out John singing the Beatles “Help” with the Melbourne symphony orchestra if you haven’t already! Magic!

[@TheBrownlj]

Seriously he is one of the greatest singers ever. This version of Bridge Over Troubled Waters is the best I have ever heard as well.

[@kirra7406]

He was brilliant from the start.

[@alyn927]

We feel every word. He makes me laugh then cry even at this age and every time thankyou

[@SuzyTrippa]

That was a great critique of John you nailed all his superpowers! lol

[@glenndot6965]

Hey Charlie, great reaction as usual. Just a suggestion to maybe look at John, KTe Ceberano and Jon Stevens singing everything's all right from Jesus's Christ Superstar on Hey Hey it's Saturday from 1992. You won't be disappointed.

[@Ozzcaddy]

A very young John Farnham. Still finding is way, even though he sounds like an old experience singer/performer.

[@Katrinagaming-en1os]

Your right. John doesn’t mumble and pronounces every single word but the key to John is his enunciation of EVERY single word. From rock to opera if you breakdown every word he sings, it’s the vowel that he plays with. This is the perfect song that showcases it. Liiiiiike a Briiiiiidge ooooooover trouuuubled waaaters. 😀

[@AussieDebb]

Love this reaction Charlie ❤ Flawless performance. I noticed John had not even opened his mouth and you just knew what was coming. 😂❤🎉

[@seonaelizabethcoster8465]

Every true blue Aussie will be bawling by the end of this song, and covered in goosebumps. If you're not, please hand back your Aussie Card ...

[@dolphindeb56]

Charlie I cried watching this, years since I had beautiful memories with John sing this (see below) And Yes! I loved how you put how John puts everything into every word! He puts his soul into every note is how I always put it! hey! Hugs Debbie

[@kirsteencampbell6489]

Just found you. I have lost count of how many times I have seen John live. Amazing performer. First time was whispering Jack tour. I was 16. I’m now 52. He’s still a fave.

[@iceberg5220]

Thanks Charlie.and the journey continues. BTW, My understanding is that John (Johnny back then, but don't tell 'em I told you...OK?) was smoking two packs of 20's at this stage !

[@ronaldnieldschneider1855]

He was so young here. Like a fine wine, he got so much better with age.

[@jj-if6it]

LOVE what you said about every word being a jewel. That's exactly how he sings but it's never been described so well before!

[@necianicholas2878]

Please react to All In Love Is Fair (live version). John's voice is outstanding (as it always is) in his version of this Stevie Wonder song. You will not be disappointed. Love your heartfelt reactions to John. ☺

[@JoSedunary]

Yes !! The dreaded grey silk shirt... that we all hoped his stylist would never put him in again under those lights hahaha... he was a champion to not run off and change it...

[@bernarddubois3122]

He always always thanks the musicians with a hand gesture , a nod or something. The man just loves music and everything about it. It's the Aussie way of life. The most modest musical legend Australia has ever had. And we love him for it.❤

[@sunshyne8539]

Has to be one of John's best performances ever. Just amazed every time I hear it👌🏼

[@mariamerlynllido-dearsly2452]

The best ever rendition of the song! Great ❤❤❤❤❤

[@wyattfamily8997]

And all this from an EX plumbers apprentice that never had a singing lesson.

[@stephanielane1821]

To know that this brilliant singer John Farnham, who was born in England and with his family came to Australia, how lucky are we to love him as many people around the world love him. Just spectacular, best vocalist and a wonderful human being if our beloved John. Thank you souch for this reaction.

[@debbiehutchinson3119]

Your so right Charlie... He's a precious jewel and does sing the hell out of everything....Thankyou for reminding me of this...❤