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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 Announces Melb & Sydney Shows In Wake Of New Single & Clip
'It's Not Too Late' is taken from the acclaimed artist's forthcoming album, 'Let Love Rule'
News / Music
Archie Roach Leads Fleurieu Folk Festival First Announce
“This year’s program will be a showcase of some of Australia’s most outstanding acts."
News / Music
Rodriguez Adds Another Show To Cope With Demand
You guys smashed pre-sales
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Archie Roach, Emma Donovan, Van Walker
"The way Roach speaks is lyrical and intimate - a true storyteller - and it's an honour to hear his stories."
Features / Music
Archie Roach & My Friend The Chocolate Cake Both Celebrate 25-Year-Old Albums
All of a sudden you're thrust into the spotlight and people wanna know who you are and know what the song's about.
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Archie Roach
"The evening breathes an affinity of an outback campfire show with the Fremantle breeze wrapping the tightly seated audience."
News / Music
Archie Roach And My Friend The Chocolate Cake Announce One-Off Concert
A show you won't get to see very often
Reviews / Live
Live Review: The Age Music Victoria Hall Of Fame Concert
"We're all gagging for the rock'n'roll segment of this evening's proceedings and AC/DC's achievements make us swell with national pride."
Reviews / Album
Album Review: Archie Roach - Charcoal Lane 25th Anniversary Edition
"Even when tackling some of the ugliest parts of the country's history, Charcoal Lane sounds like love letter to Australia."
Features / Music
On Music's Healing Powers And Why He Loves Victoria
"[Music] affects you in so many ways... it can pick you up and it can also help when you're down, and when you're going through tough times."
News / Music
Archie Roach Named In Queen’s Birthday Honours List
The Australian icon is also working on a new record
News / Music
Leaps & Bounds Announce Free Outdoor Street Party
Featuring Archie Roach, Emma Donovan & The Putbacks and more.
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