How “Sadie (The Cleaning Lady)” Made John Farnham a Star

Before “You’re the Voice” catapulted him to international fame, John Farnham was a young pop star breaking through with an unlikely hit. “Sadie (The Cleaning Lady),” released in November 1967 through the Columbia label, was the song that launched his career—but not without some reluctance from Farnham himself.

At just 18, Farnham wasn’t thrilled about recording the song, which he felt wasn’t serious enough. But his instincts proved wrong. “Sadie” first charted on December 2nd, 1967, and on January 20th, 1968, it climbed to the number-one spot, where it stayed for six weeks. Even more impressive, it held off The Beatles’ “Hello/Goodbye” to claim the top spot and remained in the charts for an astounding 33 weeks.

Despite its novelty vibe, “Sadie” became an anthem for the era, resonating with fans for its catchy melody and lighthearted lyrics. It laid the foundation for Farnham’s long and illustrious career, showing that even an unassuming song can have a huge impact.

Chart History