John Farnham becomes first artist to hit No. 1 over six decades with a little help from Olivia Newton-John

JOHN Farnham is still the King of Pop in Australia, debuting at No. 1 with Olivia Newton-John this week almost 60 years after first hit with Sadie (The Cleaning Lady).

John Farnham and Olivia Newton-John pose for a portrait at Melbourne Docklands ahead of their Two Strong Hearts tour. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

JOHN Farnham and Olivia Newton-John prove two pop superstars equals a slam dunk No. 1, with their recent live album debuting at the top of the ARIA charts this week.

The phenomenal success of their joint tour in April spearheaded Two Strong Hearts Live to the top of the charts, making Farnham the only artist to enjoy No. 1 singles and albums across six decades.

“I am both ecstatic and humbled by the support of the Australian public and the brilliant news that they have made our live album Number 1. Olivia and I had so much fun on this tour, she is such a great friend, a true talent and I am so proud to be able to share this honour with her,” The Voice said.

He achieved his first No. 1 with Sadie (The Cleaning Lady) back in 1968, with Raindrops Keep falling On My Head reaching the summit in January 1970.

Teen idol ... Farnham became a pop star after Sadie (The Cleaning Lady) hit No. 1 in 1969. Picture: News Corp Australia

Farnham struggled to shrug off his King Of Pop crown throughout the 1970s before joining Little River Band in 1982 to replace original singer Glenn Shorrock.

It was his return to his solo career with You’re The Voice and the Whispering Jack record restoring his chart success and popularity with Australian fans, both claiming No.1.

He repeated that achievement two years later with the Age of Reason single and album also peaking at the top spot.

Chart toppers ... Farnham and his friend Olivia Newton-John have hit No. 1 together twice during their career. Picture: Marc Robertson

His other No. 1 albums include Chain Reaction (1990), 33 1/3 (2000), The Last Time (2002) and now Two Strong Hearts Live.

There have been a handful of records to just miss out on the coveted summit with I Remember When I Was Young (2005) and Jack (2010) both reaching No.2.

He has amassed an astonishing 60 platinum awards for his album releases over the six decades of his music career.

Newton-John is no chart slouch either with her Banks Of The Ohio, I Love You, I Honestly Love You,You’re The One That I Want and Physical all topping the singles charts.

This isn’t the first time the great mates have shared a No. 1 with another concert album, The Main Event, landing there in 1998 for two weeks.

Originally published as John Farnham becomes first artist to hit No. 1 over six decades with a little help from Olivia Newton-John