How John Farnham Turned Raindrops into a 1969 Chart-Topping Classic

Back in December 1969, a young John Farnham stepped into the spotlight with a song that would echo through Australian music history: Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head. Fresh off the Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid soundtrack—where B.J. Thomas had already made it a global sensation—this wasn’t just a cover for Farnham. It was a bold reimagining that turned a Hollywood hit into something distinctly Aussie, powered by a voice that could move mountains.

Released on Columbia Records (catalogue DO-8965 for the vinyl enthusiasts), Farnham’s version landed with impeccable timing. The late ‘60s were a whirlwind—think Vietnam War tensions, cultural shifts, and a music scene buzzing with everything from The Beatles to local rockers. Against that backdrop, Farnham dropped this gem, and by December 1st, 1969, it was climbing the Australian charts. Just weeks later, on January 19th, 1970, it hit No. 1, nudging Elvis Presley’s Suspicious Minds aside. And it didn’t budge—for seven glorious weeks, it ruled the airwaves, only stepping down when Shocking Blue’s Venus took over. All told, it lingered in the charts for 24 weeks, a testament to its staying power.

So, what set Farnham’s take apart? Sure, Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s lyrics about brushing off life’s storms were universal, and the melody had that easy, carefree charm. But Farnham brought something extra—warmth, soul, a touch of grit. At 20 years old, still riding the wave of Sadie (The Cleaning Lady) fame, he poured emotion into every note, making it less a breezy jaunt and more a heartfelt promise. It was the kind of song that could lift you up on a tough day, and Aussies felt that connection deep in their bones.

This wasn’t just a one-off triumph, either. Raindrops was a stepping stone in Farnham’s journey—a sign of the versatility and charisma that’d later explode with tracks like You’re the Voice. Back in ‘69, he was already showing he could take any song and make it his own, bridging his teen-pop roots with the mature artistry to come. It’s no wonder this single became a milestone, hinting at the legend he’d become.Even now, over 50 years later, Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head feels like a warm hug from the past. It’s a slice of ‘60s nostalgia that still rings true, whether you’re spinning the vinyl or catching Farnham belt it out live. Curious about how it conquered the charts and won hearts? Our latest video dives deeper into the story, from its Hollywood origins to Farnham’s rise. Check it out on AustralianMusicHistory.com’s YouTube channel for the full scoop!