John Farnham | Listen to the Wind and Touch of Paradise | Jerod M Reaction

[@Fancyprawn]

No one wanted to touch him with a 10ft pole overseas as he was in his mid to late 30s when Whispering Jack was made. Even Australian record labels were hesitant to sign him. His manager had to self fund Whispering Jack and boy are Aussies glad he did! 😃

[@cinemaipswich4636]

John Farnham's voice is like no other, and he turned out to be the ultimate entertainer. Live, on stage, never beaten. Oz loves him.

[@crustydownunder]

His vocals are superb. But his showmanship, and his performance on stage is just as spectacular. Not only that, but the guy was so handsome as well. Not many performers are the whole package in the way John is. He's a genuine nice bloke. He's humble. Been married to the same woman forever. John is 1 in a million. 1 in a billion. 1 in a googleplex.

[@helenpinchen4712]

What should never be ignored is David Hirschfelder’s ( playing keyboard here) role in these arrangements, their working partnership produced amazing music. Combination of a great voice and two stunning musical talents.

[@r.fairlie7186]

Exactly what I was thinking as I watched this one year after you did! It’s no wonder that David went on to compose film scores like “Shine” and has won international awards. His successor, Chong Lim has done similar work with music scores for the Commonwealth Games opening and closing ceremonies and more.

[@louiserawle8999]

His band is awesome,back up singers incredible,and his band is always dressed so classy,he is a very special artiste adored by all Australians.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@paulrichardson5892]

he has been a legend for 50 years .

[@ianhopkins754]

I’m 63 yrs old and been a fan of his music most of my life. He didn’t perform in the US because the American music industry didn’t where to catagorise his style of music for some strange reason,but if you get all his music you’ll find it appeals to everyone we love him and glad you appreciate him

[@winsomeblandford1076]

Magic,🎉 love his voice

[@errol-ih4jy]

the reason this guy wasnt more famous, is because the American Market couldnt pidgeon hole his style, which is the shit they feed you when they dont like your genre of music, and he would probably have put a lot of there top vocalists to shame, this guy has the best voice on the planet, hes a rich guy now, but his personality has remained, who knows it may have spoiled him,maybe things happen for the better, good look John, and for someone who has been in the business for 54years, im qualified to say this voice is the best ive ever seen.

[@traceyatdefiningelegance1250]

I just paused the video, haven’t watched it yet but Touch of Paradise is my favourite song ever. It was our Bridal Waltz dance songs then in was a song we used at my mama’s funeral last year so it’s very close to my heart. The lyrics are beautiful and John sings it perfectly.

[@debbieg1406]

Thank you for your great reaction and appreciation of our all time favourite Aussie legend, John Farnham. Please watch many more of John’s vast song repertoire. He is a phenomenal singer and performer of ALL Music Genres!!💕🎶 Get well soon John.

[@belindadouglas7993]

I get chills...love our jonny Farnham..

[@heatherwickstead7980]

Can't believe your reactions are now 5 years old, and they are just now coming up on my feed. I really appreciate the thoughtful reactions you give. Thankyou

[@leannemayor5755]

He didn’t try to make it everywhere . He is an Aussie son .. He is our John … he is a great showman . He kept trying to retire but we kept him coming back so when he did his final tour we all thought he’d be back. He is our John and I am so pleased to see so many of you reviewing him. Xoxo love from Sydney

[@traceyatdefiningelegance1250]

He is one of the best we have in OZ. He’s so laid back, he’s a real joker, just a bloody good Aussie bloke. Very sexy watching him ride his horse moving his cattle. I saw that in an interview on 60 minutes from like the 90’s. He can definitely ride a horse cutting cattle. Even now at 70 he is still very charismatic and I will say sexy, even though he is my parents age but his music was out in my time. I love everything about him.

[@gregwhalan9606]

The album Whispering Jack 1986 is the biggest selling album in Australian history. For the life of me I don’t understand why the USA didn’t embrace this great artist . John Farnham your the best man !!

[@aimeeduncan8187]

He is one of those rare very natural string talented singers that can sing any genre at all to perfection

[@gabriellasvensson4384]

Thank you for reacting to him! Im from Sweden and i love him! His voice is so special! /Gabbi

[@stevious7278]

What you see on stage is what you get in real life. Part of the reason John Farnham is so loved in this country is because he is the friendliest, genuinely god, humble human being you could meet.how could anybody not like what they see and hear?

[@jenniferjacobs228]

Our John was an apprentice plumber before he was discovered and has never had a singing lesson in his life. Pure talent and instinct..Love him so much.

[@paulburrows5022]

I wish John could stay young forever and sing forever.

[@marthamaytepuia6854]

There are no singers in this day that can even compare.

[@kethlyfallon5095]

John is so amazing the US found it hard to put John in a genre and could market him. He did some stuff over there for a movie. He also wanted to stay in Aus for his family so not overly keen to go all out in the US. Lucky us❤

[@MavisSmith-m6f]

He is fantastic always was

[@Kammitoes]

Listen to the Wind is a difficult song to sing too, but he kills it. Touch of Paradise just transports you to cool breezes and sunny beaches with a long icy drink for me. Relaxing even to listen to.

[@PaulA-bv1rt]

The Lady closest to camera at 12:34 is THE Vanetta Fields.History just there. Farnsy does a mean version of Long Way to the Top and some live performances have had bagpipers on stage. He has also done a superb soundcheck with the band, singing Black Dog.

[@FionaEm]

John Farnham is one of the finest voices Australia has ever produced. Even now, in his 70s, he could sing anyone else right off the stage! Great to see an American getting to know his voice and music. Your country really missed out on knowing an amazing talent!

[@frankjesenko1772]

Listen to the wind is my favourite Farnham song

[@TheFrode69]

No voice has had a greater impact on me than John's. To me, he's head and shoulders above ANYTHING else I've heard. The timbre, the massive overtones, the versatility, the endless range and all the nuances - all perfectly controlled in a manner that I find unparalleled. From the great cuts from the 70's (ie. "One Minute Every Hour", "Don't You Know It's Magic" and "Things To Do"), the incredible 1980 album "Uncovered", his years with Little River Band - breathing new life into classics like "Reminiscing" and "Cool Change", to his biggest hits with the Whispering Jack and Age of Reason albums (The period this 1988 Expo concert is from; in itself a total masterpiece. Luckily, the entire show is on YT.) The fantastic 1990-91 Chain Reaction period and following tour, his breathtaking contrubution to JC Superstar, in which you find THE definitive version of "Gethsemane" (1992)... I could go on and on, as pure gold has poured from this man ever since. He will turn 72 this year, but still he's out performing, still with a voice most singers can only dream of. There's no one like him; not even close.

[@vickimouat8092]

Unbelievably American record labels weren't interested! Same thing happened to many Aussie artists of the same era as John.

[@AussieDebb]

The first song was written by John Stevens who was Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar and they are great names. His good friend Ross Wilson wrote Touch Of Paradise and has performed it live with him. He tried to get into the States but the record companies over there didn't think he would be much good. Their loss our gain 😊 He did want to put his family first and stay mostly in Australia. He does every genre especially as he got older. 😍🥰

[@kathleenmayhorne3183]

Lindsay Field is his long time back-up singer, along with the beautiful, talented Vanetta Fields. She was there in this clip.

[@ChrisL4034]

Vanetta is still very much alive at 80 years old. She resides on the Gold Coast.

[@kathleenmayhorne3183]

@@ChrisL4034 I am very glad to hear that, someody told me the wrong thing. I love her work, particularly the Amazing Grace she did with John Farnham. All the best to you and to her. I edited my comment.

[@tomtomruth]

John is the best! Nothing else to say!

[@beinghere1494]

I just want to hug you for your presence and sensitivity and appreciation. You’re a sweetheart yourself. Bless you 🤗

[@Manup2day]

Kudos to the BV's....harmonies on point.

[@angelika_munkastrap4634]

Some amazing Aussie singers I know you'll love are John Williamson with some awesome Aussie heart songs, like the beautiful "True Blue", his voice just melts me, such an Aussie sound in his voice. Daryl Braithwaite with "As the Days Go By", Helen Reddy with "Angie Baby", that's the best song of hers to me anyway. James Reyne with "One More River" originally from the group Australian Crawl, Nick Cave from the group the Bad Seeds, he has a great album called Murder Ballads that features some awesome songs including "Henry Lee", "Lovely Creature", "The Curse of Millhaven", and a duet he did with Kylie Minogue called "Where the Wild Roses Grow". They also sang the famous song from the Scream movies, "Red Right Hand" Also Jimmy Barnes from the group Cold Chisel, he has some amazing hits, both with the group, and most famously solo ---and his kids also all sing too. His voice will knock your socks off. Start with "Working Class Man" Other good Australian groups are Men at Work, Crowded House, Icehouse, Little River Band and the Beegees to name a few. All brilliant. You'll love all of them I feel. That will give you a taste of the Aussie spirit of music anyway. A few other beautiful females voices are Delta Goodrem, Tina Arena, Marina Pryor, and Olivia Newton John.

[@vickiarchibald427]

He is amazing and we love him. His voice gives me goosebumps and if you like ballads you need to listen to his Romeo's Heart Album. Most of his band have been with him for a long time and he loves to show them his appreciation of their talents.

[@robertarthursullivan882]

Listen to his WISPERING JACK album . The Americans could not put him in a "box ". He is as you see him . Down to earth bloke . No pretenses . He lives about 400 kms from us in Tasmania .I am 80n years old and find his music timeless.

[@nedbella]

I LOVE John Farnham. He's such a true down to earth humble man and I wish there were more people on this earth like him. I feel honoured that I was here to witness his greatness.

[@johnfranke9655]

He sound exactly the same at 71 years old as he did in his 30s, also you had to see him live to see him engage an audience

[@lizann3058]

I may be mistaken but I don't think John was interested in being away from Australia. It's where his horses are along with his family. We're so glad we got to keep him here.

[@jenniferjacobs228]

So glad you loved it. He is adored over here. You have so much more to listen to.

[@elizabethscott7660]

Two of my favourite Farnsey songs. A master balladeer that totally rocks " It's a Long Way to the Top" and "Black Dog"

[@FairyTheGreenOne]

Our Aussie boy. Just love his voice. Amazing.

[@douglassbiggs3498]

Farnsy! what a legend

[@neridahicks7160]

I feel secretly happy that we have hogged him all this time. The US were not keen at the time so our win ! I love seeing people react to him he is the bomb ! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@meghanvidler9147]

He did try to break into the scene in the States but got nowhere so he came home where he was appreciated.

[@alanread5578]

Lindsay Field has been a back up singer since Whispering Jack along with Vanetta Fields and Lisa Edwards. They're mates and it shows

[@kiwi007]

He's a legend in New Zealand too. Amazing voice. Australia has some of the best in music. Air Supply too. One of New Zealand's legends is Dave Dobbyn, if you like Bob Dylan you will love Dave.

[@pennystreet8183]

The radio stations have a lot to answer too. They can make or break an artist. If you tube had been around back in the 80’s. John would have been very famous world wide. And the radio stations would have had to have played his music. Johns voice is music just on its own. Hell!! He doesn’t need musical instruments 😂 You just close your eyes and let it take you over to the wonderful place 😅

[@rodhanson7112]

Farnsy would have been huge in America if he had gone there

[@FairyTheGreenOne]

John is a very humble fellow with a cheeky, lovely sense of humour.

[@Studeo5150]

About the mic stand . . . At some time, in nearly every concert, he would throw the mic stand up in the air in a really crazy way . . . and catch it . . . *almost* every time.

[@ellabellabudjubum]

The legend John Farnham and thank you from Australia for showcasing his amazing vocal range!!

[@personofearth5076]

I thought that you might like to listen to Jack Jones from Southern Sons. He's from Melbourne but we actually share him with America. He was born in New York to an American father and an Australian mother (who was/is also a singer), and when he was nine. his mother moved back to Australia and brought him out to live here as well. Jack Jones is now in 49 and still sings like an angel. Check out his singing when he was younger and also at an older age. Pure gold.

[@whatever9770]

Because he was a family man and was quite happy to stay in Australia. That’s why he wasn’t famous overseas.,

[@kathleenmayhorne3183]

John went overseas, they couldn't fit him in a genre, wanted to change his music to suit them. He didn't need that, just came home and had fun.

[@greypossum1]

It was always heartwarming to look into the crowd of any of his concerts and instantly see young kids under ten standing with their parents who are often standing with their parents as well. Many a Farnham concert has run well over time.

[@ChrisFirth-do2sm]

He sang with ray Charles. Every one of his recodings is different, so yes he has done some quite jazzy stuff. Trying to live my life without you, is good. His later albums lean that way a bit.

[@MrBrenos]

Sorry im late to the video. Great choice by the way. John had the opportunity to go to America, but chose to stay in Australia, never wanted to move out of the country. Check out the jimmy Barnes duo with Farnsey.

[@carolynh8866]

Isn't he amazing

[@larainecurry4566]

John loves Australia, he is a dedicated family man to his wife and 2 sons he wouldn't accept the demands that would have been put on him overseas .

[@anthonymignogno5509]

He was in the little river band

[@tiaelina1090]

He is an amazing singer and he just gets better with age. He is a real Australian treasure and we love him down here. I am so glad that you appreciate his voice.👍

[@hannabyrne4045]

As an Aussie, I'm really proud of your embracing attitude to our 'Farnsy' - The Voice! I enjoy watching your journey as you continue to explore his music - there's so much of it. You asked why he didn't become famous is the U.S? He discusses that in an interview, stating that when he went to the U.S, music companies couldn't quite figure which pocket of the industry to place him -style wise. However, he's never been too greedy for the fame either and never really pushed for international stardom, ironic really, given his immense vocal accuracy which is pleasing to any ear. Keep up the 'Farnsy' search and enjoy! 😉

[@JerodM]

That’s cool insight. Thank you!

[@nigethejedimaster]

It's so good to see someone's first time exposure to John Farnham. I forgot how good 'Listen To The Wind' is. Thanks for the reintroduction.

[@Lennylon]

He could have achieved international fame if he'd wanted to, such as ACDC and Midnight Oil. They're known around the world.

[@ladymanners618]

Granada with Anthony Warlow and some jazz. plus Please Don't Ask Me duet with Olivia Newton John in The Main Event, as Jesus Christ in Superstar, Gethsemane is very powerful. When Something is Wrong With My Baby soul with Jimmy Barnes. Black Dog. Honestly John can sing anything and amaze.

[@davidkettell5726]

Australia has some of the best British born musicians and all we got back was the Bee Gees ? When John was making this music Americans were smoking weed and singing protest songs ?

[@oldmungral]

he has sang lots of jazz

[@ianmontgomery7213]

the guy on keyboards is David Hirschfelder who wrote the scores to the movies Elizabeth and Strictly ballroom as well as being in Little River Band.

[@CarolineOlalia]

See him with Jimmy Barnes singing When Something is Wrong with my Baby

[@waynehauser3611]

Its great to see you hear and feel what we have enjoyed and loved down hear for years. One the great voices for sure. Thank you for sharing ! Lerv from down under \m/ \m/

[@badkitty1889]

He's famous in Australia. A lot of our great singers and bands didn't make it overseas, but I kind of like that they're ours, and you're just discovering them 😊

[@personofearth5076]

Exactly! We had music at our feet and music from all over the world but our music to me, is the best in the world and we had it all to ourselves. However, it is great to see the expressions of people who didn't even know that it existed.

[@Helliconia54]

Thats because he didn't bother. He felt he had no need to "prove himself" by going overseas. America missed out bigtime

[@scottjohnstone5551]

@@Helliconia54 I think the gross amount of money you make if you break the American market is the real reason people go abroad. I guess he was content.

[@yurilemming4130]

John was also lead singer for Little River Band in the 80's has been famous in Oz since mid 60's when he was just a kid who recorded Sadie.

[@shelleywayne4329]

John Farnham - The Farnham Years (TV Special) [Remastered] if you have not seen this yet you might like to see it. Just youtube it and it will come up.

[@Oldbutnotout65]

The American industry couldn't "pigeon-hole" him, when he did get stateside, the stupid agent put him in a side lounge for a 3-week stint and billed him as "Jack Phantom". John, I think was so demoralized by the experience he came back to Australia where he already had a huge fan base. The next time he went state-side was as the replacement lead singer in LRB (Little River Band), although the band originally requested John as their front man, they were not prepared for John's stage craft, they felt they had become the backing band. they did nasty tricks like taping down or short leading his mic to stop him moving around. John unfortunately picked up historical recording debt and after 5yrs, decided it was time to restart his solo career, he was dirt broke. His first album back in the spotlight "Whispering Jack" and the single "You're the Voice" went to No. 1 and stayed there for 26weeks. It is to this day the largest selling album of any Australian Artist. The rest is history. John actually had No.1 albums/songs over 5 decades starting back in the 60s. He is undoubtedly the most loved Vocalist in Australia and is referred to affectionately as "The Voice". His voice has remained as golden as the year have passed, he was still performing up into his 70s, only the Covid Shut Down stopped him. Currently he has just overcome Mouth Cancer (following a grueling 11+hr surgery to remove the tumor and part of his jaw). It was recently announced he is now Cancer Free, and his family reports he is again singing around the house, and they wouldn't put it past him, if there was another concert to come. Someone commented that he was working on a new album before his ill heath, so maybe he will finish that. He has been quoted as saying he would like to do a "Thank You" Tour for all the support he received by his fans... John is now 74. If others of that vintage can do it, no reason why John can't, he has never lost that voice.

[@dawnthomson9269]

A number of overseas performers who came “down under” & performed with John said that his band was the best.

[@reneepope-munro8115]

When my mother was 12, she was visiting my Nan’s best friend at work, her husbands photography studio. He was waiting for a client to come in for his wedding photos. It was John. My mum fainted. I absolutely do not blame her, and all these decades later, I’d respond exactly the same way. There is NO ONE like Farnsey. From vocals to performance quality. Highly recommend you watch his work with Little River Band, given what you said about jazz - but also check out his work as Jesus in JC Superstar. His Gethsemane is otherworldly..

[@kane29842]

The farnham version of reminiscing is everything.

[@tonyb4115]

I agree , LRB were a great band full of great musicians and vocalists, if you want a left of field great vocal performance from John and the band check out Love Letters In The Sand. As a live band they were great and I think that as a learning curve for John Farnham it was pivotal because an already great singer learnt stage from a great live band. Although the material didn't always suit him there are gems that are worth appreciation.

[@Nina_Olivia]

Listen to The Wind! Wind 💨 My god! Can’t believe it wasn’t a massive hit! Love the Age of Reason album so much. Thanks for your great review.

[@lindalee-brown5539]

Love “Touch of Paradise” ... and everything John Farnham sings.

[@vickidomanski4277]

He doesn’t look like this anymore he has just turned 72 this year All Australian fans off Johns know all off his songs and the minute it starts they know it’s him I was born in 1962 and his first hit was in 1969 Sadie (The Cleaning Lady).

[@ozdogwoman]

Jazz? try Little River Band when John was singing with them, "Reminiscing" absolutely super.

[@TheFrode69]

"Why wasn't he more famous here in the states?" Easy. Americans think they're best at everything, and so they largely don't bother to pay attention to whatever happens anywhere else in the world. What a surprise it must be then to suddenly realize that there's this guy in Australia who sounds way better than anyone we've heard.

[@fasicougar]

John Farnham is our Elvis down under and we love them both

[@TheFrode69]

@@fasicougar I've been an Elvis fan since the mid 70's, and thought he couldn't be surpassed. When I heard John for the first time in the late 80's, even I had to admit that - although Elvis was a much bigger phenomenon both culturally and socially, he was nowhere near a match for John be it in voice or singing technique.

[@mareebrown2163]

John can sing anything. Anything.

[@michaellivesey4354]

We got heaps of great bands that either didn't get picked up or stayed Indie...but only one voice..Mr John Farnham

[@Fish29077]

Hope you can watch the new documentary movie about John. I’m not sure if you will get in on the big screen but I hope you do. It’s called Finding the Voice. You will celebrate and respect him even more.

[@dirkperry6697]

I'm from the states 'I've been following him since Sadie. I wish I could see him live.

[@jeffbooth2194]

dirk perry he is doing a tour later this year with other Australian bands. He is 70 so won’t do a full concert. It would still be worth seeing. Come on down and watch him.

[@personofearth5076]

Check out Jack Jones from Southern Sons. He was totally underrated and is also a beautiful singer. He's Aussie/American.

[@gailskinner9903]

Yes! My dream concert! I adore John!!!

[@meghanvidler9147]

Saw him in quite a few concerts in earlier years - he always gives 110%. So glad he decided to stay “home” after attempting to break into the US scene.

[@Studeo5150]

We try not to mention Sadie . . .

[@66hobgoblin81]

Jerod treat yourself to a listen to his1987-88 concerts recorded live in Melbourne with The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra & The Australian Children's Choir. 16 live tracks released under the title."Full House". Stunning. He replaced Glenn Shorrock as lead singer for The Little River Band & did a few stints in the States but that band had a big legal wrangle going on naming rights etc and despite having had a large following & success prior to that it just didn't seem to work out . What a pity. However you are bringing a big mainly unknown Aussie talent to your American audience & I bet they are glad you are. Cheers & thanks dude.

[@williecoulter1091]

You really need to look up his music when he was with the little river band way back in the 70s and 80s, especially Walzing Matilda fom 198? No back up music just vocals it is awesome!

[@Creme-gn3ti]

There is a short clip around of Tom Jones and John Farnham.....on an Australian Show called Hey, Hey it’s Saturday.....check it our Jerod?

[@blueycarlton]

Touch of Paradise co written by Ross Wilson. Look up Ross, he is one of Australia's greatest song writers and performers, been around since the 1960's. You may have heard his big first single, a massive hit in Oz, Eagle Rock by his great band Daddy Cool. Later covered by The Wiggles. Mondo Rock was another of his bands. Many individual albums including Go Bongo Go Wild, Country and Wilson, I Come In Peace, etc. Do yourself a favour, look him up.

[@jeffbooth2194]

His belief is rehearsing and recording is the job. The concert is for him and the band to have fun. 100 times better in real life. Find a full concert and watch it you will see all types of music.

[@justlinsu]

thanks for great reaction

[@alicewatt4154]

So glad you love him he still tours and think he 70 now and still sounds great

[@user-ed8bk6rz9s]

Because capitol records didn’t know how to release his famous Whispering Jack album. He’s one one the best singers in the world and so America missed out! Listen to and watch his concerts.

[@fionaray6625]

I just heard you say this was at Expo 88 in Brisbane. I saw Farnsie at Expo 88 in Brisbane - it was outdoors but with those big sails overhead - a covered eating/function area. He was fantastic. Expo was fantastic.

[@nigethejedimaster]

It's so good to see someone's first time exposure to John Farnham. I forgot how good 'Listen To The Wind' is. Thanks for the reintroduction. Pls check out we channel for more Farnham treasures.

[@MsSlmitchell]

Touch of Paradise...beautiful song. :)

[@bennine888]

You need to watch him do a song he wrote called "burn for you". He doesn't even need the backtrack on it. Watch a live version

[@alexs3187]

If you want to hear him sing classical and jazz, watch The Main Event concert, where he sings Granada and Bad Habits with Anthony Warlow.

[@alyn927]

…and like again thankyou