Sony Music Australia Announces 40th Anniversary Edition of John Farnham's 'Whispering Jack'

Sony Music Australia has announced a 40th anniversary edition of John Farnham's Whispering Jack is coming next month.

Announced on Thursday, the album will be released as a 2LP on Friday, September 18th.

The anniversary edition will pair the original 1986 album with Whispering Jack Live in Concert, available for the first time on vinyl after its original DVD-only release.

Whispering Jack remains the highest selling album by a local artist in Australian chart history, with over 1.68 million copies sold. The album spent 25 weeks at No. 1 and was the best performing Australian record of the '80s.

The news comes after it was announced in May that a tribute concert will go ahead later this year in celebration of Farnham. The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend

end will go ahead on September 20th at Rod Laver Arena, with funds raised from the concert to go towards Head and Neck Cancer Australia, which supported Farnham during his own battle in recent years.

Massive names including Celine Dion, Hugh Jackman, Keith Urban, Jimmy Barnes, Tina Arena, Richard Marx, Human Nature and Jessica Mauboy are just a few names that will perform in person or via satellite on the night.

“I’ve been incredibly lucky to spend my life doing what I love, and even luckier to have Australians embrace my music the way they have,” Farnham said at the time.

“This (tribute concert) isn’t about me — it’s about giving something back and supporting a cause that means a great deal to me.

“The fact that so many extraordinary artists from around the world have so generously agreed to be part of this night is incredibly humbling and says far more about the spirit behind this event than it does about me. I hope everyone has a great night.”

Meanwhile, Whispering Jack: The John Farnham is scheduled to premiere in Sydney on Sunday, November 15th.

From Rolling Stone AU/NZ