John Farnham: Finding the Voice (ATOM Study Guide)

NB: This study guide includes both a full guide as well as a condensed Grab and Go version.

John Farnham: Finding the Voice tells the untold story of an Australian music icon. In this first authorised biopic, we follow Farnham’s life from plumber’s apprentice to 1960s pop idol, through incredible highs and lows, and ultimately to record-breaking success as ‘Australia’s Voice’.

He had shone as a manufactured 1960s pop star and was crowned the King of Pop five years running, but there were also many desperate years, losing his home and nearly his marriage, before John was handed the cassette that contained the demo recording of ‘You’re the Voice’ and his transition from singer to artist was finally set in motion.

John was thirty-eight years old when Whispering Jack was released. He was hardly old but certainly battle-scarred. Nobody ever questioned that John could sing but the challenge to find his artistic voice and become Australia’s most trusted and beloved performer took half a lifetime. Whispering Jack is still the highest-selling Australian album of all time.

John’s story charts a heroic path, and like most heroes, he has had an extraordinary journey, full of challenging moments. The best of the best around the world love and respect John for the artist he is.

Curriculum Links:

John Farnham: Finding the Voice is suitable for secondary students in Years 10-12 undertaking:

• English
• History
• Media
• Music

It is also a valuable resource for students undertaking certificate and tertiary studies in:

• Music Performance
• Music Business
• Sound Production