Archie Roach

Archie Roach is a beloved and admired Australian artist whose iconic song, ‘Took the Children Away’, was added to the National Film and Sound Archive’s Sounds of Australia collection in 2013. As a member of the stolen generations, he has also become a powerful voice for indigenous Australians and is one of this country’s greatest storytellers.

Archie‚Äôs career has spanned three decades.¬† His work has been recognised locally and internationally, in mainstream and indigenous circles.¬† He has shared the stage with some of the world‚Äôs most iconic artists, including Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Tracy Chapman, Billy Bragg, Paul Simon, Joan Armatrading, Suzanne Vega and Patti Smith.¬† He has released 10 albums and in recent months – a box set, ‚ÄòCreation‚Äô, a retrospective of his first four albums.

His music speaks the stories of his people, of this land and of the human condition.¬† His voice – uniquely Australian and undeniably universal – continues to resonate for us all.

Archie has faced his fair share of difficulties over recent years. The tragic loss of his longtime partner, collaborator and soul mate Ruby Hunter in early 2010. He then suffered a serious stroke in late 2010 followed by lung cancer surgery in 2012. Despite these challenges Archie continues to draw strength and healing from his music and is performing better than ever.