Archie Roach Biography: Age, Net Worth, Death, Spouse, Height, Wiki, Parents, Siblings, Children

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Archie Roach was a prominent Aboriginal Australian singer-songwriter and musician celebrated for his poignant storytelling and advocacy for Indigenous rights.

Born on January 8, 1956, in Mooroopna, Victoria, Roach became widely known for his powerful song “Took the Children Away,” reflecting his experiences as a member of the Stolen Generations.

This song, featured on his debut album Charcoal Lane, released in 1990, resonated deeply with audiences and highlighted the painful history of Aboriginal children forcibly removed from their families.

Profile

• Full name: Archibald William Roach
• Nickname: Uncle Archie
• Date of birth: January 8, 1956
• Age as of 2024: 68 (deceased)
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Mooroopna, Victoria, Australia
• Nationality: Australian
• Profession: Singer-songwriter and guitarist
• Height: N/A
• Parents: Archie Roach (father), Nellie Austin (mother)
• Siblings: Lawrence Roach, Alma Roach, Myrtle Roach, Johnny Roach, Diana Roach, Gladdie Roach
• Spouse: Ruby Hunter (1982–2010), John Easterling (2008–2022)
• Children: Two sons and three foster children
• Relationship status: N/A
• Religion: N/A
• Ethnicity: Gunditjmara and Bundjalung
• Net Worth: $ 5 million

Early Life and Education

Archie Roach, born on January 8, 1956, is now posthumously at 68. He was born in Mooroopna, Victoria, and was one of the many Aboriginal children taken from their families during the Australian government’s policies aimed at assimilation.

Roach was placed in an orphanage at a young age before being fostered by a Scottish family in Melbourne.

His upbringing was marked by a search for identity and belonging as he navigated the challenges of being part of the Stolen Generations.

Roach’s passion for music developed early on; he learned to play guitar and keyboards from his foster sister.

However, his adolescence was turbulent as he struggled with homelessness and alcohol abuse while searching for his biological parents.

His life took a transformative turn when he met Ruby Hunter, a fellow musician who would become his personal and professional partner.

Details regarding his formal education are limited; however, it is known that Roach’s musical journey began in earnest during his teenage years as he started writing songs that reflected his life experiences.

Personal Life

Archie Roach married Ruby Hunter in 1982, and they had two sons together.

Their relationship was characterized by mutual support as they navigated their music careers while advocating for Indigenous rights.

Hunter was also a member of the Stolen Generations and shared similar experiences that informed their artistic expressions.

Following Hunter’s passing in 2010, Roach faced significant emotional struggles but continued to honour her memory through his music.

He often spoke about how their partnership helped him heal from past traumas. Roach remained dedicated to raising awareness about Indigenous issues throughout his life.

Career

Roach’s career began to take shape in the late 1980s when he gained recognition for his song “Took the Children Away.”

This track became emblematic of the struggles faced by Aboriginal Australians and served as a powerful commentary on the impact of government policies.

His debut album, Charcoal Lane, was released in 1990 and received critical acclaim, winning multiple ARIA Awards.

Over the years, Roach released several albums exploring themes related to Indigenous identity and social justice.

Notable works include Jamu Dreaming (1993) and Looking for Butter Boy (1997). His music not only entertained but also educated audiences about the history and culture of Aboriginal people.

In addition to recording music, Roach toured extensively both nationally and internationally. He performed alongside artists such as Bob Dylan, Joan Armatrading, and Tracy Chapman.

His contributions to music were recognized with numerous awards, including induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2020.

Awards

• ARIA Award for Best Indigenous Album (Charcoal Lane, 1991)
• ARIA Award for Best New Talent (1991)
• Human Rights Award for “Took the Children Away” (1992)
• Deadly Award for 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 around 5 million USD.

His successful music career, including album sales, concert tours, and various performances, accumulated this wealth.

Death

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 marked a significant loss for the Australian music community and Indigenous activism.

Controversy

Throughout his life and career, Archie Roach faced controversies 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 led to the removal of Aboriginal children from their families.

His song “Took the Children Away” sparked discussions about Australia’s dark history regarding Indigenous rights.

While many praised him for shedding light on these issues through his art, others criticized him for highlighting painful topics that some felt were better left unaddressed.

Roach’s candid discussions about alcoholism also drew mixed reactions. While many admired his openness regarding personal struggles with addiction—viewing it as an essential part of healing—some critics argued that it might perpetuate negative stereotypes about Indigenous Australians.

Social Media

• Instagram: N/A
• Twitter: N/A

Discography

• Koorie (with Ruby Hunter) (1989)
• Charcoal Lane (1990)
• Jamu Dreaming (1993)
• Searching for Butter Boy (1997)
• Sensual Being (2002)
• The Tracker (Movie soundtrack) (2002)
• Journey (2007)
• Into the Bloodstream (2012)

Books

• Tell Me Why (2019)

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