Obit: Archie Roach(1956-2022)Indigenous Australian

Subject: Obit: Archie Roach (1956-2022) Indig. Aust
From: rich-joy
Date: 30 Jul 22 - 07:03 AM

"Archie Roach, Aboriginal musician, songwriter and artist, dead at 66.

His sons have released a statement saying they are "heartbroken" to announce the death of the Gunditjmara (Kirrae Whurrong/Djab Wurrung), Bundjalung Senior Elder, songman and storyteller.

His sons Amos and Eban Roach say Archie died surrounded by his family and loved ones at Warrnambool Base Hospital in Victoria, after a long illness.

"We thank all the staff who have cared for Archie over the past month," his sons said in their statement.

"Archie wanted all of his many fans to know how much he loves you for supporting him along the way.

"We are so proud of everything our dad achieved in his remarkable life. He was a healer and unifying force. His music brought people together."

A private ceremony will follow.

His family have asked the media to please respect the their privacy.

Archie's sons have given permission for Archie's name, image and music to be used, so that his legacy will continue to inspire.

More to come."



https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-30/archie-roach-aboriginal-musician-songwriter-and-artist-dead-at-6/101285620

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archie_Roach


A most beautiful soul, a lovely singer, a man important for all Australians. No doubt there will be more reports coming through soon .....

VALE, Archie.


R-J

Subject: RE: Obit: Archie Roach (1956-2022) Indig. Aust
From: Helen
Date: 30 Jul 22 - 07:44 AM

Thanks R-J.

I'm so sad to see that Archie Roach has passed. I had just read the ABC article and I was going to open a memorial thread.

I bought Mr Roach's first album, Charcoal Lane when it was released in 1990 and I bought the 25th anniversary re-released album which included a second album featuring his songs performed by other musicians.

Always a gentle soul, and he has been a beacon for us for many years.

Subject: RE: Obit: Archie Roach (1956-2022) Indig. Aust
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 30 Jul 22 - 09:44 AM

I'm so sorry to read this, and wish he could have had more years to share his music with us.

I first heard of him (and became a fan) years ago, when one of the guests on Desert Island Discs chose Took The Children Away as one of their must-have recordings. I was hooked from the first note, and by the story it tells.

You can hear it on YouTube, and the comments are interesting too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IL_DBNkkcSE

Subject: ADD: Took the Children Away (Archie Roach)
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 30 Jul 22 - 09:46 AM

TOOK THE CHILDREN AWAY
(Archie Roach)

This story's right, this story's true
I would not tell lies to you
Like the promises they did not keep
And how they fenced us in like sheep
Said to us, Come take our hand
Then sent us off to mission land
Taught us to read, to write and pray
Then they took the children away

        Took the children away
        The children away
        Snatched from their mother's breast
        Said it was for the best
        Took them away

The welfare and the policeman
They said, You've got to understand
We'll give to them what you can't give
Teach them how to really live
Teach them how to live, they said
Humiliated them instead
Taught them that and taught them this
Then others taught them prejudice

        You took the children away
        The children away
        Breaking their mothers heart
        Tearing us all apart
        Took them away

One dark day on Framlingham
They came and didn't give a damn
My mother cried, Go get their dad
He came running, fighting mad
My mother's tears were running down
Dad faced up and stood his ground
He said, Touch my kids
And you fight me
But they took us from our family

        Took us away
        They took us away
        Snatched from our mother's breast
        Said it was for the best
        Took us away

They told us what to do and say
Taught us all the white man's ways
Then they split us up again
And gave us gifts to ease the pain
They sent us off to foster homes
As we grew up we felt alone
Acting white yet feeling black
Then one sweet day
All the children came back

        The children came back
        The children came back
        Back where their hearts grew strong
        Back where they all belong
        The children came back

        I said the children come back
        The children come back
        Back where they understand
        Back to their mother's land
        The children come back
        The children come back
        The children come back

Back to their mother
Back to their father
Back to their sister
Back to their brother
Back to their people
Back to their land
All the children come back
The children come back
The children come back
Yes I came back


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_KuEoUDWoU

Subject: RE: Obit: Archie Roach (1956-2022) Indigenous Aust
From: Helen
Date: 30 Jul 22 - 04:27 PM

Thanks Bonnie,

I thought of posting the lyrics to his song Took the Children Away but you beat me to it.

There was another thread about Mr Roach:

Archie Roach at The Fringe (2016)

Subject: RE: Obit: Archie Roach (1956-2022) Indigenous Aust
From: Helen
Date: 30 Jul 22 - 04:38 PM

A tribute to Archie Roach

Archie Roach, pioneering Indigenous singer behind Took The Children Away, offered message of hope and solidarity

Subject: RE: Obit: Archie Roach (1956-2022) Indigenous Aust
From: Amergin
Date: 30 Jul 22 - 04:45 PM

Man, this is heartbreaking news. 66 is way too young.

Subject: RE: Obit: Archie Roach (1956-2022) Indigenous Aust
From: rich-joy
Date: 30 Jul 22 - 06:23 PM

I always loved "Down City Streets", my introduction to the music of Archie and his Beloved, Ruby Hunter (who wrote the song) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RCcs6AOdT0

They were both top favourites with my late Mother.

R-J

Subject: RE: Obit: Archie Roach (1956-2022) Indigenous Aust
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 03 Aug 22 - 10:33 AM

Sad news. He will be greatly missed throughout the world. The Internet links are well worth investigating. I have added his name to the "In Memoriam" thread and send my condolences to all those who love and miss him.

RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Archie Roach (1956-2022) Indigenous Aust
From: Helen
Date: 03 Aug 22 - 05:15 PM

Thanks Waddon Pete.

Sad news, indeed. A true icon of the Indigenous people of Australia and all Australians.

I posted this in the other thread that I refreshed but this is my favourite song by Archie Roach: I've Lied -

I describe his music and lyrics as deceptively simple but there is a depth of understanding and emotion and ethics in every song he wrote and performed.

If you can watch (the amazing) Anh Do's show called Anh's Brush With Fame he simultaneously interviews and - literally - paints a portrait of different people. Every time the episode in which he interviewed and painted Archie Roach is repeated on TV I watch it again. It provided deep insights into Mr Roach's life, who he really was and where his depth of insights came from, and at the end the painted portrait is revealed.

I just checked the TV guide and it says that there will also be a tribute to Mr Roach and his music on this Saturday's episode of Rage on ABC TV, which will be hosted by King Stingray.

And a show on NITV (National Indigenous Television) tonight: Thursday 4th August at 9:00 pm (30 minutes)

"Black Empire: It is easy to feel alone in the Australian music industry, but for First Nations' musicians, the isolation can be overwhelming, especially when racism and exploitation are thrown into the mix. And despite the fact that Black song has played such a transformative role in Australia's history - from Archie Roach's 'Took the Children Away' to Thelma Plum's 'Homecoming Queen' - it's still seen by music execs as just another marketable asset. But what if it could be different? What if there was hope for something better?"

and another show on ABC TV:

Compass, Sunday 14th August at 7:32 pm (30 minutes)
Archie Roach: Australian singer-songwriter Archie Roach talks about his journey of survival and transformation.

Note: ABC TV describes the show as, "Compass explores the Australian soul - our beliefs, our ethical dilemmas and the changing face of our spirituality. Stories of individuals and communities tackling life's big questions."

Subject: RE: Obit: Archie Roach (1956-2022) Indigenous Aust
From: Joe Offer
Date: 09 Aug 22 - 08:27 PM

A YouTube video posted by Archie Roach before his death:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oj2SeUt3M38

And another: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqG3cXDRqgA

Obituary video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_KuEoUDWoU

Archie Roach YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn3czuOXaK8sz_PicbexF8A