Archie Roach: turning spirit into song and connecting with family

Archie tells of writing Took the Children Away and playing it in public for the first time, of his belated reunion with his siblings, and his love story with Ruby Hunter

Widely admired for his powerful lyrics and the grace of his pin-drop performances, Archie has overcome blow after blow throughout his life.

He was just two years old when he was taken from his Aboriginal mother and given to the Cox family to raise.

His foster family brought him up with love, in a house filled with music. But when he discovered the truth about his birth family, Archie's world shattered.

Years later, his song, Took the Children Away, would become an anthem for the Stolen Generations.

As a teenager, Archie found his way to the streets, where he found solace in alcohol, and eventually, met his great love, Ruby Hunter.

So many of the stories of Archie's life have become songs, starting with his debut hit record, Charcoal Lane (produced by Paul Kelly), and they're listened to all over the world.

Writing and performing have helped Archie endure many sorrows, as well as celebrate the strength of his culture.

Along with multiple awards for his music, Archie is a Member of the Order of Australia, and is the 2020 Victorian Australian of the Year.

Further information

Tell Me Why: the story of my life and my music is published by Simon and Schuster

The accompanying CD is also entitled Tell Me Why

Archie Roach Foundation