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Playing to Win: The Definitive Biography of John Farnham
Teen idol. King of Pop. Voice of the common man. Australian of the Year. Friend. Icon. Superstar.
John Farnham is the quintessential Aussie legend. As a teenager he gave up an apprenticeship to chase his musical dreams, hitting the big time with the catchy pop ditty ‘Sadie (The Cleaning Lady)’. But it wasn’t smooth sailing from there.
A family man at heart, and the most loyal of friends, John was sometimes uncomfortable with the spotlight and for many years struggled to make his music career as successful as those close to him – including Glenn Wheatley and Molly Meldrum – could see it could be. He finally hit his stride with 1986’s Whispering Jack and the breakaway success of ‘You’re The Voice’, which became the anthem of a generation. John lived it up – holidaying with the Skases in Port Douglas and sharing cigars with Bob Hawke at the Lodge – but always came back down to earth. Inherently humble, the King of Pop would also become king of the comeback, proving to have a longevity rare in the music industry.
In this deeply personal and insightful biography, author and music industry insider Jeff Apter, thanks to the support of those close to John, provides a rare glimpse inside Farnsie’s world, unlike any other book about the man. He reveals the drama behind John being named Australian of the Year, how the cassette demo of ‘You’re the Voice’ was nearly overlooked, and how John once accidentally sparked the attention of ASIO. And he explores Farnham’s relationships with the figures who have been instrumental in making him ‘The Voice’: his first manager, Daryl Sambell, his wife of 40-plus years, Jill, and long-time friend and manager Glenn Wheatley.
John Farnham is the quintessential Aussie legend. As a teenager he gave up an apprenticeship to chase his musical dreams, hitting the big time with the catchy pop ditty ‘Sadie (The Cleaning Lady)’. But it wasn’t smooth sailing from there.
A family man at heart, and the most loyal of friends, John was sometimes uncomfortable with the spotlight and for many years struggled to make his music career as successful as those close to him – including Glenn Wheatley and Molly Meldrum – could see it could be. He finally hit his stride with 1986’s Whispering Jack and the breakaway success of ‘You’re The Voice’, which became the anthem of a generation. John lived it up – holidaying with the Skases in Port Douglas and sharing cigars with Bob Hawke at the Lodge – but always came back down to earth. Inherently humble, the King of Pop would also become king of the comeback, proving to have a longevity rare in the music industry.
In this deeply personal and insightful biography, author and music industry insider Jeff Apter, thanks to the support of those close to John, provides a rare glimpse inside Farnsie’s world, unlike any other book about the man. He reveals the drama behind John being named Australian of the Year, how the cassette demo of ‘You’re the Voice’ was nearly overlooked, and how John once accidentally sparked the attention of ASIO. And he explores Farnham’s relationships with the figures who have been instrumental in making him ‘The Voice’: his first manager, Daryl Sambell, his wife of 40-plus years, Jill, and long-time friend and manager Glenn Wheatley.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published October 3, 2016
9 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Apter
50 books50 followersJeff Apter is the author of more than 30 books, many dealing with the world of music. He has written biographies of Keith Urban, Malcolm and Angus Young of AC/DC, Jeff Buckley and the Bee Gees. As ghostwriter, he has worked with ARIA Hall of Famers Kasey Chambers and Richard Clapton, and AC/DC’s Mark Evans. He was also the creative consultant for the award–nominated live production A State of Grace: The Music of Jeff and Tim Buckley and spent four years on staff at Rolling Stone Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 28, 2023
My 2023 reading challenge called for me to read a non-fiction book about someone I admire. When the John Farnham documentary came out in cinemas, I knew that reading Playing to Win, the Definitive Biography of John Farnham by Jeff Apter was a must to read first.
I have always like John Farnham. His Whispering Jack album was my first cassette when I received a Sony Walkman for Christmas when I was about 8 years old, and I have loved his music ever since.
Jeff Apted tells Farnham’s story from the beginning, from his migration from England with his parents to Australia as a young boy, to his struggles with trying to start his musical career to the heights of becoming the ultimate showman and the great Australian the John Farnham truly is.
Apted has included many interesting details and moments through Farnham’s career and life that made me laugh. He has shown how the King of Pop could live it up with people such as Christopher Skase and Bob Hawk but remained a fully grounded and humble person.
One of the things I admire most about John Farnham is that in an industry that thrives on controversy, drugs, jealousy, and sex John has never been any of these things. He has always been a devoted husband to his wife Jill and a committed father, he has been a supporter of countless charity causes and charities and is an all-round decent person. I didn’t know until reading this book how loyal John Farnham was to mates/ associates in trouble and learning how he helped his manager Glenn Wheatley when he was in trouble makes my admiration for this man even stronger.
I believe that euphoria is felt by most Australians when You’re the Voice is played and nearly everyone, no matter the generation, would know the words to his other hits such as Burn for you, Chain Reaction, Playing to Win, Age of reason and Pressure down. He really is Australian’s greatest showman with his twirling microphone stand but it is John as an all-rounder as to why people love him. After reading this book I do believe that he is one of the greatest Australians that has ever been. I enjoyed learning so much more about what an inspiring person he is and how he never gave up.
I have always like John Farnham. His Whispering Jack album was my first cassette when I received a Sony Walkman for Christmas when I was about 8 years old, and I have loved his music ever since.
Jeff Apted tells Farnham’s story from the beginning, from his migration from England with his parents to Australia as a young boy, to his struggles with trying to start his musical career to the heights of becoming the ultimate showman and the great Australian the John Farnham truly is.
Apted has included many interesting details and moments through Farnham’s career and life that made me laugh. He has shown how the King of Pop could live it up with people such as Christopher Skase and Bob Hawk but remained a fully grounded and humble person.
One of the things I admire most about John Farnham is that in an industry that thrives on controversy, drugs, jealousy, and sex John has never been any of these things. He has always been a devoted husband to his wife Jill and a committed father, he has been a supporter of countless charity causes and charities and is an all-round decent person. I didn’t know until reading this book how loyal John Farnham was to mates/ associates in trouble and learning how he helped his manager Glenn Wheatley when he was in trouble makes my admiration for this man even stronger.
I believe that euphoria is felt by most Australians when You’re the Voice is played and nearly everyone, no matter the generation, would know the words to his other hits such as Burn for you, Chain Reaction, Playing to Win, Age of reason and Pressure down. He really is Australian’s greatest showman with his twirling microphone stand but it is John as an all-rounder as to why people love him. After reading this book I do believe that he is one of the greatest Australians that has ever been. I enjoyed learning so much more about what an inspiring person he is and how he never gave up.
March 15, 2017
Let's get one thing perfectly straight. John Farnham is nice. Really nice. I'm talking pictures of kittens on the internet nice.
However, nice does not make for a terrifically readable biography, for Jeff Apter had an uphill battle to start with.
Though by spicing it with the troubles of John's manager Glenn Wheatley, Apter managed to create an enjoyable read. Even if I did feel like I should be drinking cocoa and wearing warm fluffy slippers as I did so.
I do have one niggle. Over use of the expression "rusted-on" to describe John's fanbase got completely on my wick by the time I'd finished the book.
I learned some things about John I didn't know, and came away from the book with my regard for John Farnham higher than it was before.
Highly recommended to anyone who has an interest in John's career, or the Australian music industry, or just likes a feel good read.
However, nice does not make for a terrifically readable biography, for Jeff Apter had an uphill battle to start with.
Though by spicing it with the troubles of John's manager Glenn Wheatley, Apter managed to create an enjoyable read. Even if I did feel like I should be drinking cocoa and wearing warm fluffy slippers as I did so.
I do have one niggle. Over use of the expression "rusted-on" to describe John's fanbase got completely on my wick by the time I'd finished the book.
I learned some things about John I didn't know, and came away from the book with my regard for John Farnham higher than it was before.
Highly recommended to anyone who has an interest in John's career, or the Australian music industry, or just likes a feel good read.
May 29, 2019
Absolutely loved listening to this book in fact I had trouble pausing it. Full of interesting detail and moments that made be laugh out loud. Even though he is my favorite singer the book shows what an inspiring person he is and how he never gave up. Could not stop talking about this at work.
May 7, 2017
An easy read, informative
July 30, 2022
Very enjoyable read.
October 26, 2025
An interesting biography of one of my favourite singers highlighting his Australianism and shows why he is loved by so many.
February 28, 2017
A very entertaining biography of one of Australia's most popular singers.
December 6, 2016
Given that John Farnham didn't provide any insights into this book it is hard to take it on face value.
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July 25, 2017I first heard of this book and the Authors preferred writing style at Kiama Readers festival. The talk had me hooked and the book did not disappoint.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews