Playing to Win: The Definitive Biography of John Farnham

by Jeff Apter

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 'Sadie (The Cleaning Lady)'. A family man at heart, and the most loyal of friends, John was sometimes uncomfortable with the spotlight and for many years struggled to take his career to the heights that those close to him, including Molly Meldrum and Glenn Wheatley, felt it could reach. 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 and dining at the Lodge with Bob Hawke - but always came back down to earth. And the King of Pop would also become king of the comeback, showing longevity rare in the music industry. Thanks to the support of those close to John, author and music industry insider Jeff Apter provides a rare glimpse inside Farnsie's world. Insightful, entertaining and deeply personal, Playing to Win is the definitive John Farnham story.

Genres: Music, Biography

360 pages, Paperback

First published October 3, 2016

About the author

Jeff 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.

Reviews

[Ally Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Fiona Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Bill Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read, informative

[Geoff Sheehan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read.

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting biography of one of my favourite singers highlighting his Australianism and shows why he is loved by so many.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very entertaining biography of one of Australia's most popular singers.

[Andrew Hall · Rating 2 out of 5]

Given that John Farnham didn't provide any insights into this book it is hard to take it on face value.

[Tianne Shaw]

I 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.