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Archie Roach

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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.

Albums

1990 Charcoal Lane
1992 Jamu Dreaming
1997 Looking for Butterboy
2002 Sensual Being
2007 Journey
2012 Into the Bloodstream
2019 Tell Me Why
2020 The Songs of Charcoal Lane
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Latest Articles

News / Music
Archie Roach, Cash Savage & The Last Drinks & More Named For Melb's Peel Street Festival
The inaugural event will be held in November.
News / Music
The Corner Hotel Is Turning 21 & Holding A String Of Birthday Gigs To Celebrate
We've come a long, long way together.
News / Music
Watch APRA's Iconic Homage To Archie Roach By Paul Kelly, AB Original & Dan Sultan
Too good
News / Music
Archie Roach To Receive Prestigious Prize At APRA Music Awards
The veteran singer-songwriter will be recognised for his services to music
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Archie Roach
"It's a healing song, what I mean by that is each time I sing it, I let a little bit of that go and one day, when I sing it, I'm going to be free."
News / Music
A World Music Spectacular Featuring Archie Roach Is Coming To Melbs
Get around some world music this March
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Rodriguez, Archie Roach
"His graciousness, both to the music and the people, is unfortunately completely unreciprocated by this audience."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Rodriguez, Archie Roach
"Rodriguez's well-documented and painstaking journey to success has failed to diminish his creative spirit."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Rodriguez, Archie Roach
"Although Rodriguez is losing his eyesight, his voice remains a mythological giant to his story of discovery."
Features / Music
The Mighty River & The Power Of Love
"They just lifted me, lifted me up into this place and I could feel the full support and love."
Reviews / Album
Album Review: Archie Roach - Let Love Rule
"Roach's work is inescapably genuine."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Archie Roach, Corey Theatre
"We're not religious, but we go home feeling blessed."
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