2015 marks the 100th Anniversary of the ANZAC’s landing at Gallipoli. In honour of this landmark occasion, music icon and former Australian of the Year, Lee Kernaghan, teams up with a host of local artists and musicians to bring you ‘SPIRIT OF THE ANZACS’; released 27 February 2015.

Recorded at Rancom Street Studio in Sydney with long-time producer and collaborator Garth Porter, ‘Spirit Of The Anzacs’ is a tribute to those that have given their lives, those who have served, and those that still today step bravely into the unknown to serve our country.

Lee and Garth were granted unique access to the Australian War Memorial archive, collecting letters penned by diggers to their loved ones at home and spanning World War I to the present day. Each song on the 16-track recording is inspired by one of these real letters.

“This is some of the most powerful material that I’ve ever had the privilege to record in my career”, said Lee. “The album takes you on a real journey, from the trenches of the Western Front to the bombing of Darwin, Kokoda, Long Tan, and the dust of Uruzgan Province in Afghanistan. It is a project that goes to the heart of who we are as a nation.”

“Every nation has its story. This is ours. From the bloody Gallipoli landing to the dusty deserts of Afghanistan, precious war letters held at the Australian War Memorial have inspired this moving tribute from one of Australia’s great story tellers, Lee Kernaghan. The spirit of the men and women who wrote them, their courage and sacrifice lives in these songs – and in us.” – Dr Brendan Nelson, Director, Australian War Memorial

“Throughout Lee Kernaghan’s career he has created albums that tell our Australian stories – from the struggles and hardship of life on the land, to the great and sometimes terrible beauty of our country, to the resilience, pride and good humour of our people. In this album he sets to music some of the most profound and moving stories, first-hand accounts of Australians touched by the horrors and tragedy of war. Lee Kernaghan is perhaps the only artist who can craft an album that will resonate equally with all Australians, from the cities to the bush, men and women, young and old. These are our stories and they continue to shape who we are.” – Robert Patterson, ABC Commercial

“I’m really looking forward to releasing ‘Spirit Of The Anzacs’ in February, in a special year when we commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli, and the birth of the ANZAC legend”, says Lee.