Archie Roach

Archie Roach

Archie Roach is an Aboriginal Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist from Mooroopna, Victoria. Born Archibald William Roach, he is a Gunditjmara and Bundjalung elder and a campaigner for the rights of Indigenous Australians. He develops a reputation as a storyteller in the tradition of his ancestors and becomes a nationally respected figure in Australian music.

Career

Roach first comes to wider attention with the song “Took the Children Away”, which appears on his debut solo album, Charcoal Lane, in 1990. His work is closely associated with themes of Indigenous experience and social justice. He tours internationally and appears as a headliner or support act for artists including Joan Armatrading, Bob Dylan, Billy Bragg, Tracy Chapman, Suzanne Vega and Patti Smith.

Awards and recognition

Roach receives a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for services to music as a singer-songwriter and guitarist, as well as for his support of social justice. He is also inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2020. Earlier recognition includes a Deadly Award for “Lifetime Contribution to Healing the Stolen Generations” in 2013.

Personal life

Roach’s musical partner and wife is Ruby Hunter, also a singer. He dies in 2022.