"I hope the book engages and entertains because that’s what so much of my life has been about."
John Farnham (Supplied)
One of Australia’s most beloved singers is ready to tell his own story. Get ready to experience John Farnham’s long-awaited debut memoir, The Voice Inside.
Hachette Australia and Talentworks announced the release of the memoir this morning, revealing that Farnham—telling his own story in his own words—worked in partnership with Poppy Stockell, who recently shared his illustrious tale as the writer and director of the critically acclaimed Farnham biopic, Finding The Voice.
The Voice Inside by John Farnham with Poppy Stockell is due for release this November, with book outlets making it available for pre-order in hardcover on Wednesday, 30 October. You can pre-order your copy here.
With The Voice Inside, Farnham tracks his personal and public journeys in music, told with his “inimitable humour, insight, and humility.”
Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter
The book will explore his upbringing in Melbourne in the ‘60s, releasing the highest-selling Australian album of all time (Whispering Jack), his decades-long touring career, and his story of resilience. As well as the successes, Farnham is set to examine the darkness: the years in which his career stalled, facing debts, triumphing through adversity, even against mouth cancer, and moving forward after the heartbreaking loss of his long-time friend and manager Glenn Wheatley.
In a statement, Farnham revealed that it’s finally the “right time” to tell his story. “Having been asked many times, it finally felt like the right time to sit down and tell my story,” he said.
“It is a very strange feeling looking back on my life, on the good and the bad, and now that I have started, it is all rushing back. I hope the book engages and entertains because that’s what so much of my life has been about.”
Stockell added, “Working with John on his memoir has been like sitting down with an old friend, who also happens to be an absolute legend, to share stories that are both deeply personal and wildly entertaining.
“His resilience and sense of humour shine through every recollection, making this project a genuine reflection of the man behind the music. It’s been a joy to help bring his tales to life, and I can’t wait for readers to get an unfettered glimpse of the man whose music is the soundtrack to so many of our lives.”
In another statement, Vanessa Radnidge, the Head of Literary at Hachette Australia, commented: “Like so many Australians, I am a huge fan of John Farnham’s. His talent is legendary, and his resilience in a tough industry is inspiring. However, we didn’t really know the battles, the hard times or the depths of who John really is.
“And now he is sharing his life, his memories and what defined him. My colleagues and I are so proud to help John publish his memoir, and I know I am one of many who can’t wait to get to know the voice inside this iconic and much-loved Australian.”