John Farnham’s voice heard for the first time publicly in years

He boasts one of the most recognisable voices in Australian entertainment history, but after several high-profile health battles, John Farnham has fallen silent – until now.

The 75-year-old’s voice has been heard publicly for the first time since he was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2022, when doctors removed a tumour from his mouth and reconstructed his jaw.

John Farnham, before surgery, performed on Sydney’s Cockatoo Island in 2019.Credit: WireImage

Farnham has voiced the audiobook of his memoir, The Voice Inside, to be released later this month, with publisher Hachette Australia releasing a short audio sample to preview the book chronicling his life and legacy.

“I don’t enjoy talking about myself, I really don’t. Don’t get me wrong, I’m an egomaniac,” he says in the audio clip.

“But dredging up the past and picking through what has and hasn’t been is just not something I’ve ever really enjoyed. I’ll try to share as much as I can, but that’s not easy because I’ve never really been that open. I guess there are reasons for that. Reasons for my reluctance.”

The memoir was co-written with Poppy Stockell, the creator and director of documentary Finding the Voice, also about Farnham’s career.

The book charts Farnham’s upbringing in Melbourne in the 1960s, the 1986 release of Whispering Jack, the highest-selling Australian album of all time, as well as his diagnosis of mouth cancer and the death of his manager, Glenn Wheatley.

Farnham’s wife, Jill Farnham, wrote two chapters and will narrate them in the audiobook herself. In a release provided by Hachette, Farnham said narrating the audiobook was a roller-coaster ride. “There were more than a few laughs and some tears, but it made me realise how lucky I’ve been,” he said.

Publisher Vanessa Radnidge, head of literary at Hachette Australia, said Farnham’s surgery meant his role as narrator was never a guarantee.

“Earlier this year, when we announced John Farnham was writing his memoir, many fans eagerly asked if he would record the audiobook himself,” said Radnidge. “At the time, we could not provide an answer, and I honestly did not think it would be possible.”

John Farnham (right) celebrated his son Rob’s wedding in February.Credit: Facebook

Radnidge credits Farnham’s dedication to his fans as the reason he was able to get back in the studio.

“Despite the challenges posed by surgery and radiation, John dedicated many hours in the studio to record his book in his own voice,” she said. “Now, I cannot imagine anyone else narrating it. Listening to him is such a delight – the heart, emotion and showmanship are all there.”

Farnham won 20 ARIA Awards from 60 nominations, including his induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame. In 1987, he was named Australian of the Year.

Following his cancer diagnosis, Farnham retreated to spend time with his family. In September 2023, he made a brief return to the public eye, allowing the Yes campaign to use his hit song, You’re The Voice, in their campaign ahead of the Voice referendum.

The audiobook edition of The Voice Inside, narrated by John Farnham with Jill Farnham, will be available on October 30, 2024.