Archie Roach is a renowned Australian Aboriginal singer-songwriter and musician known for his poignant storytelling and advocacy for Aboriginal rights.
Born on 8 January 1956 in Mulupuna, Victoria, Roach is best known for his song “Take the Children Away”, which reflected his experiences as a member of the Stolen Generations.
The song, featured on his 1990 debut album Charcoal Lane, resonated deeply with listeners and highlighted the painful history of Aboriginal children being forcibly taken from their families.
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- Full name: Archibald William Roach
- Nickname: Uncle Archie
- Date of birth: January 8, 1956
- Age as of 2024: 68 (deceased)
- Gender: Male
- Birthplace: Mooloupuna, Victoria, Australia
- Nationality: Australian
- Occupation: Singer-songwriter and guitarist
- Height: Not applicable
- Parents: Archie Roach (father), Nellie Austin (mother)
- Siblings: Lawrence Roach, Alma Roach, Myrtle Roach, Johnny Roach, Diana Roach, Glady Roach
- Spouse: Ruby Hunter (1982–2010), John Easterling (2008–2022)
- Children: Two sons and three foster children
- Relationship status: N/A
- Religion: Not applicable
- Race: Gunditjmara and Bundjalung
- Net worth: $5 million
early life and education
Archie Roach was born on January 8, 1956 and is 68 years old. Born in Mooroopna, Victoria, he was one of many Aboriginal children taken from their families during the Australian government’s assimilation policy.
Roach was placed in an orphanage as a child and later adopted by a Scottish family in Melbourne.
His upbringing is marked by a search for identity and belonging, as he deals with the challenges of being a “stolen generation.”
Roach developed a passion for music early on. He learned to play guitar and keyboards from his adopted sisters.
However, his adolescence was tumultuous, and he struggled with homelessness and alcoholism while searching for his biological parents.
His life took a turn when he met musician Ruby Hunter, who would become his personal and professional partner.
Details about his formal education are limited; however, it is known that Roach’s musical journey began during his teenage years when he began writing songs that reflected his life experiences.
personal life
Archie Roach married Ruby Hunter in 1982 and they have two sons.
Their relationship was characterized by mutual support for their musical careers while advocating for Aboriginal rights.
Hunter was also a member of the Stolen Generations and shared similar experiences that influenced their artistic expression.
Roach faced huge emotional struggles following Hunter’s death in 2010, but he continued to honor her memory through his music.
He often spoke of how their partnership helped him heal from past trauma. Roach dedicated his life to raising awareness of Aboriginal issues.
Profession
Roach’s career began to take shape in the late 1980s, when he gained recognition for his song “Get the Kids Away.”
The track became emblematic of the struggles faced by Australia’s Aboriginal people and served as a powerful commentary on the impact of government policies.
His debut album, Charcoal Lane, was released in 1990 to critical acclaim and won multiple ARIA Awards.
Over the years, Roach has released several albums exploring themes related to Indigenous identity and social justice.
Notable works include “Dream of Jammu” (1993) and “Searching for Butter Boy” (1997). His music not only entertains, but also educates audiences about Aboriginal history and culture.
In addition to recording music, Roach has toured extensively nationally and internationally. He has performed with artists such as Bob Dylan, Joan Armatradin and Tracy Chapman.
His contributions to music have been recognized by numerous awards, including 2020 induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame.
Awards
- ARIA Award for Best Indigenous Album (Charcoal Lane, 1991)
- ARIA Best Newcomer Award (1991)
- “Take the Children Away” Human Rights Award (1992)
- Album of the Year (Into the Bloodstream, 2013)
- Inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame (2020)
net worth
Archie Roach’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $5 million.
He amassed this wealth through a successful music career that included album sales, concert tours and various performances.
die
Archie Roach passed away on July 30, 2022 at the age of 66 due to complications from health issues related to lung cancer.
His death marks a significant loss for the Australian music community and Aboriginal activism.
dispute
Throughout Archie Roach’s life and career, the controversies he faced were primarily related to his advocacy work rather than personal scandals.
As a member of the Stolen Generations, he often spoke out against government policies that resulted in Aboriginal children being separated from their families.
His song “Take the Child Away” sparked discussion about Australia’s dark history of Aboriginal rights.
While many praise him for bringing these issues to light through his art, others criticize him for highlighting painful topics that some feel are best left unaddressed.
Roach’s candid discussion of alcoholism also drew mixed reactions. While many admire his openness about his personal battle with addiction and see it as an important part of healing, some critics believe it could perpetuate negative stereotypes about Aboriginal Australians.
social media
- Instagram: Not applicable
- Twitter: N/A
discography
- Curry (with Ruby Hunter) (1989)
- Charcoal Lane(1990)
- Jia Mumeng(1993)
- Searching for Butter Boy(1997)
- Sensual Presence(2002)
- Tracker (soundtrack) (2002)
- Journey(2007)
- Into the Blood (2012)
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