John Peter Farnham (born July 1, 1949) is an English-born Australian pop singer. Domestically he has remained one of Australia's best-known performers over a career spanning 40 years. He is the only Australian artist to have a number one record in five consecutive decades (echoing Sir Cliff Richard in the United Kingdom). Early life Born in Dagenham, East London, United Kingdom, Farnham spent the first years of his life in England before migrating to Australia in 1959. As an undistinguished student, he began a plumbing apprenticeship before taking leave from that to pursue music. Career The early days and Strings Unlimited In his early career he was known as Johnny Farnham. He did his first semi-professional performances as lead singer of a local band, Strings Unlimited. After making the State finals of the Hoadleys Battle of the Sounds, they made some demo recordings which led to his being offered a so