Legendary Aboriginal musician Bart Willoughby was presented the Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music at the 2024 APRA Music Awards, held at the ICC Sydney, Gadigal Land, on May 2.
“This award is the top lifetime achievement award in our industry. When somebody wins this its usual to say, for example, that ‘Bart is worthy of this award,’” said Willoughby’s long-time friend, Don Walker, presenting the honour alongside their pal Stephen Pigram. “But I would say it the other way around: ‘This award is worthy of Bart.’”
Following in the footsteps of previous Ted Albert Award winners Paul Kelly, Slim Dusty, The Seekers, Cold Chisel and the late Archie Roach, “It’s hitting the bullseye – like winning the lottery,” Willoughby told AAP. “It’s amazing to be accepted into one of the most terrific gangs of songwriters.”
Willoughby, 64, is the ground-breakig lead singer, songwriter and drummer behind No Fixed Address – Australia’s first and arguably most influential First Nations reggae-rock band. As the first Aboriginal band to score a record deal, tour overseas and appear on Countdown, they left a profound mark on Australia’s music scene and inspired groups including Yothu Yindi and the Warumpi Band.
(Photo: Rick Clifford).
Recognised as a trailblazing artist, Willoughby’s ability to fuse reggae music with traditional Indigenous influences reflects the depth and diversity of Australia’s original cultural identity. A proud Kokatha and Mirning man, Willoughby was one of Stolen Generations. His 1981 protest song performed by No Fixed Address, ‘We Have Survived’, with its powerful lyrics about the hurt and torment of the ‘white man’s world’, is enshrined in the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia and endures as an anthem of resilience.
Willouguhby’s work, leadership, and boundless generosity have garnered respect and admiration, including in his role as Music Instructor at Yalata Anangu School in 1995, where he taught drums, guitar, and songwriting to secondary school students in the Pitjantjantjara community of Yalata, South Australia. Today, the grandfather of six teaches and mentors young Indigenous musicians when time allows.
The multi-talented instrumentalist, songwriter, singer, actor, educator, and artist hopes the spotlight of his award will spur him back into the recording studio – and inspire audiences to revisit the music of No Fixed Address. “It’s just hard work and love, it’s amazing what hard work and love does,” Willoughby told AAP. “I think that’s all you need.”
At Alberts, we’re thrilled to witness the remarkable recipients of the Ted Albert Award – celebrating influential pioneers like Bart who’ve shaped our vibrant culture through their dedication to the arts. They follow in the legacy third-generation Albert family member, Ted, who helped launch a new sound in Australian pop and rock music to the world in the 60s and 70s as the trailblazer behind the independent Alberts recording label and music publishing business.
Speaking of his accolade, “I just feel really proud. You just don’t know how proud I feel,” said Willoughby, who was also joined at the APRA Music Awards by members of his family, who performed alongside him in celebration of his work and legacy. “I feel like I’m an Australian. Thank you.”
