Archie Roach
Archie Roach is a truly gifted and inspiring talent. Bom at Framlingham Aboriginal mission, Warrnambool in South-Western Victoria, Archie was taken from his family at an early age as part of the notorious Stolen Generation. Institutionalised and then fostered, the Archie Roach story has been well documented.
A former homeless alcoholic, Archie Roach recorded his first record, Charcoal Lane, in 1990 with Paul Kelly as producer. The album contained the song, "Took the Children Away", that dealt with Archie's personal experience as one of the Stolen Generation of Aboriginal people. The album won two ARIA Awards and a Human Rights Award – the first time a Human Rights Award has been presented to a songwriter. Charcoal Lane featured in the US Roiling Stone's Top 50 albums for 1992 and achieved gold status in Australia.
In 1992 Archie recorded Jamu Dreaming. Released in 1993, this album was recorded with musical assistance from David Bridie, Tiddas, Paul Kelly, Linda and Vika Bull, Ruby Hunter, Dave Arden and Joe Geia. Jamu Dreaming was nominated for an ARIA Award in 1994 and was in Australia's Top 40. Released in July 1997, Looking for Butter Boy was recorded on his traditional land at Port Fairy in South-Western Victoria. This album won three ARIA Awards in 1998. Archie has performed with many of the top names in the entertainment business including Paul Kelly, Weddings Parties Anything, Crowded House, Billy Bragg, Tracy Chapman, Suzanne Vega, Bob Dylan, Joan Armatrading and Patti Smith.
In 2009 Archie and his wife and musical collaborator (the late) Ruby Hunter were awarded the Sidney Myer Performing Arts Award for their exceptional contribution to Australia's cultural life through the performing arts.
Artist Photos
