Archie Roach

"I think writing prose is a lot different – it’s not like writing a song; you don’t have music or any instruments or a melody to act as a buffer"

Archie Roach AM, a Gunditjmara and Bundjalung man, was born in Victoria in 1956. Taken at the age of two from parents he never saw again, he was placed into foster care. He started writing songs after meeting his soulmate Ruby Hunter when they were both homeless teenagers.

His heartbreaking signature song, ‘Took the Children Away’, from his 1990 ARIA award-winning debut album Charcoal Lane, has become an anthem for the Stolen Generations. The song was the first to win an Australian Human Rights Award and the album was featured in US Rolling Stone magazine’s Top 50 in 1992, won two ARIA awards and went gold in Australia.

Archie’s recording history includes twelve albums, soundtracks, film and theatrical scores and his books include the award-winning memoir Tell Me Why, accompanied by a companion album, and the picture book Took the Children Away, illustrated by Ruby Hunter.

What types of books does Archie Roach write and what themes do they cover?

Archie Roach’s books include memoir, a young adult adaptation, and a children’s picture book. They center on his life, the Stolen Generations and Indigenous experience, memory and healing, and are closely tied to his music and storytelling.

What are Archie Roach’s most notable books?

Key titles are the award-winning memoir Tell Me Why (with a companion album), its young adult edition Tell Me Why (For Young Adults), and the picture book Took the Children Away, illustrated by Ruby Hunter.

Where should I start if I’m new to Archie Roach’s writing?

Start with the memoir Tell Me Why for full context about his life and music. For younger readers, the Tell Me Why young adult edition is adapted for them, and Took the Children Away is the accessible picture-book version of his iconic song.

Are Archie Roach’s books connected to his music?

Yes. Archie’s writing and songwriting are closely linked: Tell Me Why was published alongside a companion album, and Took the Children Away is the picture-book version of his signature song. His musical career informs much of his prose.

Has Archie Roach received awards or recognition for his books and music?

Yes. His song ‘Took the Children Away’ won an Australian Human Rights Award; his debut album Charcoal Lane won ARIA awards, went gold and was featured in Rolling Stone’s Top 50. His memoir Tell Me Why is described as award-winning, and the young adult edition won the NSW Premier’s History Awards in 2021.