1955 - 2010

Ruby Hunter was a prominent Aboriginal singer-songwriter and activist known for her contributions to the Indigenous Australian music scene . Ruby was born on the banks of the Murray River in South Australia in 1955, with family connections to the Ngarrindjeri, Kokatha, and Pitjantjatjara people. Hunter was part of the stolen generation, spending her childhood in foster care and a home for girls in the northern suburbs of Adelaide.

From a young age, Hunter found solace and expression in music, drawing inspiration from her heritage and the natural landscapes around her. Ruby’s first performance was in 1988 during a festival at the Bondi Pavilion where her rendition of ‘Proud, Proud Woman,’ the first song she had written, was extremely well received. Two years later, when Archie Roach, another prominent First Nations artist, was seeking an extra song for his solo album, Ruby shared the now well-known song ‘Down City Streets' with Archie. Much of Ruby’s work was autobiographical, using her authentic experiences to connect with audiences and helping them understand the lived experiences of Indigenous Australians. Ruby and Archie went on to have a creative and lifelong partnership, establishing a family, raising two sons, as well as fostering and mentoring countless other children.

Throughout her career, Roby collaborated regularly with Archie. Together, they became leading figures in the Indigenous Australian music scene, using their platform to raise awareness about Aboriginal rights and issues. Unlike Archie, Ruby retained her traditional languages; however, she drew inspiration from country, gospel, blues, and folk to reach a broad audience for her autobiographical songs.

Hunter’s career leaves an incredible legacy. She released several albums, including 'Thoughts Within' and 'Feeling Good', which showcased her unique blend of blues, folk, and Aboriginal musical traditions. She wrote and performed 'Ruby’s Story' for the Australian Art Orchestra, which premiered at the Sydney Opera House. Across her career, she was nominated for two ARIAs, won three Deadly Awards, received a Helpmann Award for Best Contemporary Australian Concert, as well as a Sidney Myer Performing Arts Award.

Ruby Hunter sadly passed away in 2010, leaving behind a legacy of artistic excellence and activism. Hunter was inducted into the National Indigenous Music Awards Hall of Fame. Her contributions continue to inspire generations of musicians and activists, highlighting the enduring power of music as a force for social change and cultural pride in Australia and beyond.

On Saturday 6 July, as a part of the 2024 Bondi Festival, the concert 'Proud, Proud Woman: A Ruby Hunter Tribute’ took place in the Bondi Pavilion in an event funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency.

Image courtesy Martin Philbey.