Archie Roach

Archibald William Roach (8 January 1956 – 30 July 2022) was an Australian singer-songwriter and Aboriginal activist. Often referred to as "Uncle Archie", Roach was a Gunditjmara (Kirrae Whurrong/Djab Wurrung) and Bundjalung elder who campaigned for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. His wife and musical partner was the singer Ruby Hunter (1955–2010).

Roach first became known for the song "Took the Children Away", which featured on his debut solo album, Charcoal Lane, in 1990. He toured around the globe, headlining and opening shows for Joan Armatrading, Bob Dylan, Billy Bragg, Tracy Chapman, Suzanne Vega and Patti Smith. His work has been recognised by numerous nominations and awards, including a Deadly Award for a "Lifetime Contribution to Healing the Stolen Generations" in 2013. At the 2020 ARIA Music Awards on 25 November 2020, Roach was inducted into their hall of fame. His 2019 memoir and accompanying album were called Tell Me Why.

Latest Articles

News / Music

Archie Roach & Ruby Hunter Statues Unveiled In Melbourne

"Not every day a family gets a statue..."

Features / Music

Florence Welch / Archie Roach / Lady Gaga / Billie Joe Armstrong

15 Songs Inspired By Paintings

With so many musicians coming out of art school, it’s not surprising that hundreds of rock songs were inspired by paintings and painters.

Industry / Feature

‘How Could You Play Music That Loud?’ Michael Gudinski’s Life Story In 13 Songs

After trying to tell the Gudinski story in 13 tours, here we attempt to do it in just 13 songs.

Features / Music

'Songs From The Kitchen Table’: New Book Celebrates Archie Roach & Ruby Hunter

When Archie and his manager were compiling a new book of lyrics he and Ruby Hunter wrote together, there was one obvious title.

Features / Music

Kee'ahn & Emma Donovan Interview Each Other

The pair chat about The Archie Roach Foundation’s mentoring experience helping emerging First Nations artists, Singing Our Futures.

Features / Music

William Barton To Celebrate Archie Roach At ‘One Song’ Concerts With The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Later this week, two incredibly special events in Naarm will honour the life, career and legacy of Uncle Archie Roach. William Barton tells TheMusic how they’ll do justice to one of Australia’s most pivotal forces for good.

News / Music

Dan Sultan Pays Tribute To Archie Roach With Stirring Rendition Of 'Took The Children Away'

Took The Children Away was, and continues to be, a vessel for reparation, and was the first songwriting recipient of a Human Rights Achievement Award.

News / Music

Nominees For The 2023 APRA Awards Have Been Revealed

Australian music is thriving, clearly reflected in the mega list of nominees.

News / Music

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Is Playing The Music Of Archie Roach This July

The two special One Song: The Music of Archie Roach concerts will feature a who’s who of artists influenced by the iconic Indigenous Australian singer.

News / Music

Archie Roach Awarded Posthumous Order Of Australia Medal

"Today we celebrate his talent, impact and legacy as we extend our thoughts to his family, friends and all those impacted by Archie’s incredible life."

News / Music