Celebrating The 40th Anniversary Of John Farnham’s ‘Whispering Jack’
Sony Music Australia today announces the 40 Year Anniversary edition of John Farnham’s seminal album, Whispering Jack, to be released as a 2LP on Friday September 18.
Whispering Jack celebrates its 40th Anniversary with a special expanded edition pairing the original album with Whispering Jack Live In Concert, available on vinyl for the first time after its original DVD-only release. Pressed on black and white vinyl, this Limited Edition is individually numbered 1–2500, with the collector’s edition reimagining the album’s iconic artwork through a striking inverted design, reflecting the monochrome aesthetic that has become synonymous with the release.
In addition, the album will also be available in a special expanded 2CD edition. Featuring one black disc and one white disc, this collector’s package draws inspiration from the album’s iconic monochrome artwork.
Vinyl
CD
Originally released in 1986, Whispering Jack remains the highest selling album by an Australian artist in Australian chart history, with more than 1.68 million copies sold locally. The record dominated the charts, spending 25 weeks at No. 1 across 1986/87, becoming the best-performing Australian album of the 1980s and earning him the ARIA Award for Album of the Year in 1987.
The album also broke new ground technologically, becoming the first Australian‑made album released on compact disc in Australia, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s transition into the digital music era.
The album’s lead single, You’re The Voice, reached No. 1 in Australia, became an international hit, and remains one of the most recognised and enduring songs in Australian music history. The track’s message of empowerment continues to resonate globally, cementing Farnham’s place as a cultural icon.
Across his extraordinary career, John Farnham is the only Australian artist to achieve a No. 1 album or single across five consecutive decades. His achievements include 22 ARIA Awards, induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2003, being named Australian of the Year in 1987 and receiving the honour of Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 1996.
A major highlight of the anniversary year will be The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend – The Celebration Concert, taking place on Sunday September 20 at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.
This special event will bring together some of Australia’s most celebrated performers, including Jimmy Barnes, Keith Urban, Jessica Mauboy, Tina Arena and Human Nature to honour Farnham’s extraordinary catalogue and legacy. The night will also include Celine Dion and Hugh Jackman giving performances from overseas via satellite. The full line up and further information about the concert can be found at https://www.tegdainty.com/tour/john-farnham/.
To mark the anniversary, JB Hi‑Fi is launching an exclusive national competition, giving fans the chance to experience Farnham’s music live in a once‑in‑a‑lifetime celebration.
JB Hi‑Fi Competition Details
Pre-order the album at JB Hi-Fi via: https://www.jbhifi.com.au/blogs/competitions/john-farnham-celebration-competition
One major prize winner will receive:
2 x Tickets to The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend – The Celebration Concert
Sunday, 20 September 2026 – 7:00 pm, Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
2 x Qantas Return Airfares (Economy Class) from the winner’s closest capital city
1 x Night Accommodation at a Melbourne CBD hotel
Competition closes Sunday, 13 September at 11:59pm AEST. The winner will be drawn Monday, 14 September, with notification by 12:00pm AEST.
This anniversary year will also see Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical will make its world premiere at the Sydney Theatre Company, in association with Michael Cassel and Gaynor Wheatley. Running from November 15 2026, to January 3 2027, the production celebrates the 40th anniversary of Whispering Jack. Vocalist Michael Paynter stars as John Farnham, with Ben Hall and Bonnie Anderson joining the cast as Glenn and Gaynor Wheatley. Tickets available now via Sydney Theatre Company.
Fans are able to keep up with all things John Farnham via the official Facebook page as well as the newly launched John Farnham HQ page on Instagram.