John Farnham (b. 1949)
1987 Award

Singer and Musician

In 1959 Farnham's family left England to settle in Australia. At 16 years of age Farnham became an apprentice plumber, but in 1967 his first record, Sadie the Cleaning Lady, became the biggest selling Australian-made single. In the next fiveyears he made 12 singles and six albums, all of which went gold, and won numerous awards including five King of Pop awards, 1969-73. Replacing Glen Shorrock as lead singer in the Little River Band, in 1982 he toured the United States of America, but success eluded him. After heavy financial and personal losses he revived his failing career in 1986 with Whispering Jack, the bestselling album of the late 1980s. An adoring press speaks of the singer as 'ordinary, honest, real and decent'.

Farnham was selected as Australian of the Year for his outstanding contribution to the Australian music industry over 20 years. He embodies Manning Clark's vision that 'the people, not the men of renown, have become the heroes of the next generation'. Although he steered clear of politics he spoke out during his tour of honour on environmental issues.