John Farnham - Finding the Voice (DVD)

John Farnham - Finding the Voice DVD

John Farnham: Finding the Voice is a documentary film that was released in Australian cinemas in 2023. It is the first authorised biographical film about British-born Australian singer John Farnham. I was interested in watching and reviewing this film because he has a great voice and stage presence, and I have enjoyed his music since watching Whispering Jack Live in Concert on television in 1987. I have also seen him appear on the TV show ‘Hey Hey It’s Saturday’ and have watched his concert with Tom Jones on DVD and television.

The film follows his childhood in Melbourne, where his family migrated from England, his success as a pop singer in the 1960s and 1970s, his career highs and lows, and his comeback album Whispering Jack (1986). It also mentions his recent cancer surgery. The DVD includes some extras that were not in the cinema release, including two bonus features: behind-the-scenes footage and additional interviews.

Although I was already familiar with John Farnham’s story, I enjoyed learning about it in more detail. The film includes interviews with singers Jimmy Barnes, Daryl Braithwaite, Celine Dion, Richard Marx, Olivia Newton-John, and Robbie Williams; guitarist Tommy Emmanuel; Farnham’s manager and friend Glenn Wheatley; and Wheatley’s wife Gaynor. I also appreciated seeing live versions of some of the songs he has recorded, including Age of Reason, You’re the Voice, A Touch of Paradise, When the War Is Over, Help, Amazing Grace, and Sadie the Cleaning Lady.

There is also a separate two-disc soundtrack CD titled John Farnham: Finding the Voice, which is part of our collection.

This film should appeal to adults and older teenagers who enjoy Farnham’s music, as well as those interested in the story of a long career in the music industry, marked by both successes and struggles.

John Farnham - Finding the Voice.

Alice