Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 8, 2025 · Entertainment

Remembering Jon Blanchfield: The Aussie Popstar and Bee Gees Collaborator Who Left Us at 79

Australian singer John Blanchfield has died at age 79

SCANDALOUS SINGING SENSATION: John Blanchfield Dies at 79

The music world is in mourning as news breaks of the passing of Australian singing sensation, John Blanchfield, who left us far too soon at the ripe age of 79. This charming crooner was known for his dashing good looks and smooth vocals, which earned him a string of hits in the swinging sixties with none other than the legendary Bee Gees.

Born in Melbourne to a family of modest means, John's father, a humble cobbler, upped sticks and moved the family to Brisbane in the early 1940s. Young John was already displaying a flair for the dramatic, entertaining his family gatherings with tuneful renditions that would make even the most seasoned performer green with envy.

Known for a string of popular singles recorded in the 1960s with music legends the Bee Gees, the Melbourne-born pop star later became a talent manager

But it wasn't until he left home at the tender age of 18 and returned to Melbourne that John's big break came knocking. Working as a postman by day, this talented troubadour was moonlighting as a nightclub singer, belting out his favorite tunes in front of a packed crowd. Little did he know, fate had other plans.

A Glimpse into the Spotlight

One fateful evening in 1966, John auditioned for a spot on a popular music program broadcast on TVQ-0 (Channel 10). Alas, he didn't quite nail it – or so we thought. Unbeknownst to John, a prominent star of the time had spotted him as a raw talent and discreetly advised him to work on his act.

After retiring from the spotlight in the 1970s, he started his own music label Rainbird Records and worked with Aussie stars of the era like Normie Rowe and Lobby Lloyd

Back in Brisbane, John landed a regular spot on a music program (not to be confused with the ABC show), where he would regale audiences with cover versions of hit tunes. It was here that he met the Bee Gees – yes, those iconic brothers! - backstage during a recording of the show.

The Gibb brothers were so taken by John's charisma and vocal range that they whisked him off to Sydney to record his first major single in their own studio, a converted butcher shop in Hurstville. And what a coup it was! Produced with love by the Bee Gees themselves, "Town Of Tuxley Toymaker Part 1" and "Upstairs, Downstairs" were released in 1967.

Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

Pictured: The Bee Gees in the 1960s. The famed hitmakers, who were already big stars, brought John to Sydney to record his first major single in 1966 which they had written especially for him

But here's the juicy bit: John revealed on the Purple Haze podcast that these two songs were the only ones the Bee Gees ever wrote specifically for him. Talk about a badge of honor! And what makes it even more intriguing is that the Bee Gees never re-recorded them themselves. Can you imagine the sibling rivalry?

John's music career was on fire, with hits like "She's My Baby" and "Lucy's Place" dominating the local Brisbane charts. But it was his 1969 single "Son of a Simple Man," penned about notorious Australian bushranger Ned Kelly, that really got people talking.

A Glimpse into John's Private Life

As if being a singing sensation wasn't enough, John was also in high demand as a TV compere. He scored gigs on Brisbane TV, including the music show "Uptight," where his smooth charm and debonair looks won over audiences.

But as the 1970s rolled around, John decided to hang up his performing shoes and focus on other ventures. In 1976, he founded Rainbird Records, which although not a chart-topping success, laid the groundwork for his future endeavors.

The Talent Manager

John's true calling was revealed when he started his talent agency, Beetroot Services, where he guided the careers of some of Australia's most iconic acts, including Ross Wilson (Mondo Rock), Vince Jones (jazz maestro), and the band Goanna, whose 1982 single "Solid Rock" still gets airplay today.

And now, as we bid farewell to this talented troubadour, his family has shared a poignant message on his Facebook page: "It's with great sadness, love and pride that we let you know that our darling husband, Dad, Paree, and friend, John Blanchfield, grabbed his hat and got out of here on Wednesday. John's great loves were music and good people, and his days were filled with both until the last moment."

Rest in peace, John Blanchfield – your legacy will live on through the timeless tunes you left behind.

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