Archie Roach
Archibald William Roach AC (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).
Archie Roach AC | |
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Roach in 2016 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Archibald William Roach |
| Born | 8 January 1956 Mooroopna, Victoria, Australia |
| Died | 30 July 2022 (aged 66) Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia |
| Genres | Folk, ballads, Aboriginal rock |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter, storyteller |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, six-string guitar |
| Years active | 1980s–2022 |
| Labels | Mushroom, Liberation Music, ABC Music |
| Website | archieroach.com |
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.