The Voice Inside

by John Farnham, Poppy Stockell

From a childhood in London and Melbourne through to pop stardom in the 1960s, the critical success enjoyed with the release of the highest-selling Australian album of all time, Whispering Jack, and a decades-long touring career, the John Farnham story is, at first glance, one filled with remarkable highlights.

It is, however, so much more than that. It is the story of the resilience John found as his stellar career stalled, record companies turned their backs, and he faced financial ruin. It is the story of triumph over adversity after a devastating diagnosis of mouth cancer in 2022, only months after the death of his long-time friend and manager, Glenn Wheatley.

Throughout a lifetime filled with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, John has remained steadfast, never losing his unique musical talent, creative strength nor his powerful ability to make human connections through his music.

The Voice Inside is like sitting down with an old friend sharing stories that are both deeply personal and wildly entertaining. Captivating and powerfully honest, it is an unfettered insight into the man whose music is the soundtrack to so many of our lives.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Music, Audiobook, Memoir, Biography Memoir, Autobiography

330 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 30, 2024

Reviews

[Vicki Valenti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've just finished this and did it via Audio book. I highly recommend you all listen to this book read by John himself with the addition of Jill his wife.
What a man, what a legend, what a life. How lucky are we all to have enjoyed his magic and for Australia to call him one of us.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up with John Farnham's music. My family and friends were huge fans. I can remember when your songs came out. Thank you for being such a huge part of my life. So much respect for you.

This book is emotional, funny and powerful. He is such an honest humble guy. I found out interesting facts that I did not know. Thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope you do too.

A must read for fans of 80's and 90's music.

[Ann Mallia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so thrilled to receive this book for Christmas from my son-in-law.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it because I could hear his voice inside my head and it felt like he was talking just to me.
I have been a fan of John Farnham for a very long time and it was great to read this open and honest story of his life.
I am sure I will read this again because I loved it so much.

[Nicole Thorson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - what an absolute bloody legend! I finished reading and then got lost on YouTube watching his live performances. There is no one NO ONE as good as him. Do yourself a favour and search “John Farnham reaction” and you will be treated to a bunch of videos of people from overseas watching John perform, the first time they’ve seen him. Just watch the reactions to his voice - it’s priceless!

Sometimes I think it’s a shame and absolutely ludicrous that he never made it big internationally, but also I’m so happy he stayed in Australia and he’s our little secret!! 🤫

[Diane in Australia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars: I liked it.

I was surprised that there weren't more reviews of this book on Goodreads. John Farnham is like a GOD to folks here in Australia. Maybe they just don't read much ... lol

Nicely written telling of his life up to now. A couple of chapters were written by his wife. Now SHE should be the GOD, in my eyes, as she's the one who held down the fort, raised the kids, etc. while John was on the road singing.

If you're a fan, read this.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been reading this and listening to this depending on my location. Unfortunately there was no whispersync with Amazon but it was not too hard to manually confirm where I was up to.

I want John to understand how valuable his story is. We don’t want to intrude on his recovery and challenges he’s facing but we want him to know that we care, we are eager to hear from him, and this book has been absolutely appreciated by his fans.

He comes across as a bit of a naive idiot as a younger performer, and I’m sure he’ll agree. He has been so lucky to be surrounded by people who helped him to become the person he is. In all of this luck however, came many challenges over the past few years. I’m grateful that he allowed himself to pull out of the despair.

I’m grateful that he has had this chance to tell his story to us. I’m sad that he has put up with some really awful stuff in his life, but I’m also grateful that back in 1987 I slowly came to realise this guy was incredible. Nearly forty years later and I still think that.

When I go on cruises with Princess Cruises, I am unhappy that their karaoke lists don’t have any John Farnham songs. I am dying to scream out some of his best.

I wish John a much longer and happier life getting slowly better. I hope that he will perform again, but we’ve been blessed with what he’s done.

Thank you.

[Kerri Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

The five stars may not be because of fantastic writing (it is a memoir after all) but for the personality of John that shines through. He is a raw talent and such a good bloke and that is why I have the utmost respect for him and his singing.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Farnham's love for his wife had me weeping

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been a fan for so long, so it was wonderful to read of John's journey through his own eyes. Thank you John for being a true entertainer.

[Chris Mardle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really easy read. John Farnham comes across as extremely likable and a genuinely nice guy. Lots of interesting stories about his life and career.

[Wendy Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely read autobiographies and/or biographies, but I was unable to stop after a sample of The Voice Inside. The intimacy and frankness captivated me. The vividness in the descriptions transported me to what life was like for a Ten-Pound Pom and the music scene in 60s Melbourne. My love for this is based on being surrounded by the familiar, my childhood from someone else’s eyes, especially his account of the Expo 88 concert of which I was there. Farnzi is affable, fallible, and genuine, and it comes through in the autobiography. Like everyone else, I hope he will sing again.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true Australian legend.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have admired and loved John’s music since I first heard You’re the Voice, from the award winning best selling album Whispering Jack back in the 1980’s. I remember my dad saying Johnny Farnham… he’s been around for years… I thought he was lying at the time, but yes, as the years of watching and enjoying Johns music, from my old tape player, to my LP’s then CD’s to live in concert a few times as well. I even managed to shake his hand at one concert ! How lucky was I.
To read the story behind the man, the ups and down, the real essence of the man is beautifully told by Poppy Stockwell. Having seen many an interview, and concerts, what I have experienced of John, reading this book it feels like he is sitting opposite me and telling me the story. I could hear his voice in my head as I read. His vernacular has been captured in the writing of his book just perfectly.
A real treasure of a book to read, I could open it up and read it all again, and I am sure I would discover a morsel of a story I didn’t appreciate in the first read and enjoy the whole book just as much if not more all over again.
What an incredibly resilient, giving, positive man he is… and so very talented…

[Rosalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
This was a chance to hear about John Farnham’s life from himself. He is a very private person and so it was so good to finally hear his side of many events in his life. The relaxed style of the writing made it feel like we were sitting down and chatting over a drink and John was telling us his story. There were no technical music jargon, nor long introspective thoughts to explain his life. The chapters from Jill gave us a chance to hear how she has coped with all of the ups and downs of live with an Australian icon. I had forgotten how young he was when he first started his career. As was common with a lot of young singers, then and now, managers want to control every aspect of their lives, especially the money.
I loved the stories about how songs were written and chosen for the albums after “Whispering Jack”, most especially “ Burn For You”. I really think that this is one of his greatest songs up there with “You’re The Voice”. They are both different, but both showcase his amazing talent. One thing that i really did find upsetting (and have done for some time) is how the media and the music/entertainment industry in Australia allowed “Sadie” to dominate John’s career for so long, nearly 20 years. Even that icon of the music industry “Molly” Meldrum really did little to get John Farnham the attention and success that he deserved. It is a disgrace that a man of John Farnham’s talent was reduced to singing in NSW League clubs just to be able to provide for his family. If you look at clips on YouTube of John Farnham and his music from voice coaches, singers, musicians, or just people in general, they are all blown away by: his voice; his talent; and his stage presence. The success that John has had after “ Whispering Jack” is absolutely well deserved and far too late. I did like his loyalty to: his family; his bands and crews and most especially to Glen Wheatley, with all of his financial problems. Funny I never saw anything form any of the Little River Band members voicing their support of Glen Wheatley. His mostly positive approach to his life now is a good sign moving forward. Hopefully, we will have John Farnham with us for many more years.
I would have liked credits for the photos alongside them, it does make things easier to follow.

[Sally Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love John Farnham and I very much enjoyed this book. I remember when I was a kid and I was given John Farnham's Romeo's Heart cassette tape for Christmas, which was my first ever cassette tape. I loved that album and still do.

I do hope one day John will be able to sing again, if not I'm among one of the lucky ones who got to see him a few times and also the last time (hopefully not) at the firefight concert.

Would have loved a little more content in the book, though, especially regarding The Last Time Tour.

Love ya Johnny

[Rebecca Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A life journey of a talented and dedicated man from sharing a bed in a tiny English home to a becoming a beloved Australian. Will be interesting to readers who loved the Whispering Jack era and even more so if you were around in the earlier days of the music scene.

[Nicole Kelsall · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a life well lived!! I really enjoyed listening to John tell his story. He opens up about some really hard and raw truths from his early days and it sounds as though he did it pretty tough at the start of his career. And then the Whispering Jack album and the rest is history. What a star! ⭐️

I enjoyed hearing about his partnership with Glen Wheatley. They were a great team and you could hear the emotion when he spoke about his death and what that has meant to him. It is clear that he adores his wife Jilly and I enjoyed her chapters too. What a beautiful life they have made together and I pray for his health and a lot more years together for them. 🥰

[Mel Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A telling story, full of things you never would have known. And what courage to self-narrate! A Great Listen.

[Lana]

Absolutely loved this book, could hear John's voice all the way through.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Very down to earth and honest. Interesting to read from John Farnham’s perspective.

[Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found out a lot stuff I never knew about John, very interesting and a survivor with a very strong woman behind him (of course).

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

John comes across as such a lovely bloke, without hubris or pretence. When he mentions other celebrities, it doesn’t come across as name dropping.

[Kerryn Dempster · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic book. easy to read. grew up listening to him and those he spoke of in this book. couldn't put it down (3 days to read it). beautiful man

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what an awesome autobiography read by John himself! Thank you John for sharing your struggles and highlights throughout your life! You are an Australian Legend!

[Randal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written present day, remembering the past. A nice nice view point, a worthwhile read.

[Gaye-Maree · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing style is what you’d hope to expect from a memoir - simple, sincere, and deeply personal. And as you’d also expect from John Farnham, a true Aussie legend, this memoir reflects his down-to-earth nature, an intimate and honest account of his life. He openly shares both the highs and lows, including his own vulnerabilities, with warmth and humor. A standout for me is the way he subtlety acknowledges those few who have criticised his music or voice in a ‘no more needs to be said' kind of way, leaving the emotional weight of these moments to the reader’s own judgement and imagination, a wily yet powerful and amusing touch. I also loved his many heartfelt references to his love for his wife and family. I loved reading Jill's perspective. An endearing and enjoyable read.

[Phillip Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Farnham’s The Voice Inside is so John Farnham that it will not surprise you. You will however be glad you read it.
For me an Aussie who turns 75 this month (January 2025), it was a necessary book to read. John Farnham’s music, ever smiling face, sense of humour were just so much a part of the musical soundtrack of my life.
There were no real surprises in the book as there have been books written about John Farnham (and Glenn Wheatley as a team). For a long time fan it was so good to read it coming from the man himself.

I do remember the interview on TV where John responded to a question about Glenn Wheatley’s time in prison, his response “ yeh there was about 15 months there when the work was a bit slow. “ so John Farnham. So good. The book is just like this.

There are 2 chapters from Jill in the book.Those chapters complement John Farnham’s writing.

It’s a 5 star rating, it’s from the heart, it’s so John Farnham.
Whilst I agree that “ You’re the Voice” is our unofficial national anthem, “ Age of Reason “ and “Burn for you” hold in my head as soundtracks of special times in my life.
Thank you.

The Voice inside a good read.
And Poppy Stockell getting this man to spend time with his life, great job.

[Tracey Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having always been a Farnham fan (sorry John!), it was fabulous to read and learn more about his life! It was written in a conversational style, which felt like we were sitting down chatting over a coffee! Thanks John for sharing your talents with the world and bringing lots of joy to the people! Xx

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. The story of Whispering Jack from The Voice himself. Funny, sobering, poignant, sad, angering, enthralling. I hated having to put this book down. A wonderful chronicle of one of Australia's most important performing arts figures. Here's hoping he will return to the stage one day soon for a well-deserved curtain call.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The much waited for biography book of Australia’s (and mine) favourite singer, John Farnham. A complement to the viral documentary shown in Australian cinemas it tells the life story of an incredible singer. Born in England, John travelled with his family to Australia. As many young singers, John started out working pubs and clubs before realising his dream to record a hit single at age 17. The single wasn’t a great one by today’s standard but it did the trick at the time. Realising he had poor management John fired his incompetent manager, hired his mate and together set about recording an amazing album titled “Whispering Jack” this fantastic album went straight to number one on the charts and even today is still the highest selling album by an Australian singer of all time.

I have been to many John Farnham concerts over the years and thoroughly enjoyed every single one. The gift John has as a singer is he makes it feel like when he is singing he is not singing to 15,000 people at the concert but just you. He makes you feel special. I hope John will manage to sing again but if not…I and many other fans will cherish the memories and listen to the songs as if it’s the first time we hear them, with love and excitement and a smile. Thank you John Farnham from one of your many fans!