John Whelan played baritone sax in the Jack Parnell Orchestra on The Muppet Show, including Zoot's notes in the theme and the closing note. He also played alto sax for The Swedish Chef theme song.
In addition to television work, Whelan was heard on the London cast recording of the 1989 Anything Goes revival, a 1991 cast album of Carmen Jones (with Wilhelmenia Fernandez), a Des O'Connor album, and a Mr. Men children's record.