Past Event

A Tribute to Ruby Hunter

21st Mar 2010

Presenter: Ruby Hunter
Website: http://www.blacklist.org.au/
Event Duration: 300 minutes

On Sunday 21st March, Bella Union will host a gathering of Melbourne’s musical community paying tribute to Ruby Hunter who was taken away from us too early.

A Ngarrindjeri woman and pioneering Aboriginal singer songwriter, Ruby Hunter, who touched the hearts and souls of people around the world, passed late last month in the arms of her lifelong partner and musical soul mate, Archie Roach.

Born in 1955 near the banks of the Murray River in South Australia, Ruby was a member of the Stolen Generations, having been forcibly removed from her family at the age of eight. She met Archie when she was 16. Both were homeless teenagers at the time.

Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter have been described as a singing/songwriting team of extraordinary spirit. Their music took them around the world. They have sung alongside musical greats Tracy Chapman, Paul Kelly and Bob Dylan. Ruby was the first Indigenous woman to be signed to a major record label.

Well-known artists such as Dave Arden and Amos Roach, who have performed with Archie and Ruby for years, Kutcha Edwards, Jessie Lloyd, Liz Kavanagh, Lee Morgan, Jayden Lilyst, Joe Geia to name a few, will be donating their time and considerable talents to a musical journey that celebrates and honours Ruby, Archie and their family.

Doors open at 5.00 PM and all proceeds raised will go to helping Ruby’s family.

"Stolen from her family and culture, Ruby Hunter forged a path back to her land and heritage, lighting the way with music,"
Martin Flanagan, The Age

"The music community is reeling from the death of a woman whose talent and spirit inspired and united black and white,"
Michelle Griffin, The Age

"Ruby's voice, rising out of the deep well of her life, flowed like the rich muddy water of her birthplace,"
Paul Grabowsky