Meet Dr G. Yunupingu, whose full name was Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu. He was a musician from Australia’s Yolu peoples. He was also known as Gurrumul. He was good at playing drums, keyboards, guitar, and the didgeridoo, among other instruments.
But his singing voice was what people liked most about him. He sang in both Yolu and English about his land and culture. He was in Yothu Yindi and then Saltwater Band, but as a solo artist, he became better known.
He was one of the most famous Aboriginal Australian musicians, and he has sold about 500,000 records all over the world. Let’s read more about his full biography and net worth below.
Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu Biography
Geoffrey Gurrumul was a singer, songwriter, and musician from Australia. He was born on January 22, 1971, in Elcho Island, Northern Territory, and passed away on July 25, 2017, in Darwin at the age of 46.
He was known for his folk/world music and played various instruments such as guitar, drums, keyboards, and the didgeridoo. He was active in the music industry from 1986 until his death in 2017 and was signed to the record label Skinnyfish Music.
Family Background | Parents
Geoffrey Gurrumul was a musician and songwriter from Australia. He was born in 1971 on the island of Elcho, which is in the country’s north. Yunupingu was born blind. He was the first son of Ganyinurra and Nyambi “Terry” Yunupingu, who had four sons.
His mom was from the Gumal clan, and his dad was from the Gumatj clan. About 330 miles east of Darwin, which is the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory, is Elcho Island.
Early Life | Childhood Beginning
As a child, Gurrumul Yunupingu taught himself how to play instruments such as the piano, accordion, and guitar. Despite being left-handed, he played a right-handed guitar upside down.
He learned traditional songs and music from his family and also enjoyed listening to Western pop music. He was an active child who enjoyed playing basketball and riding bikes. He left school at age 12, having attended a local school and briefly a school for the blind in Victoria.
Ethnicity | Nationality
Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu was a musician from Australia. He belonged to the Yolŋu community and was born on Elcho Island in the Northern Territory ((en.wikipedia.org)). Gurrumul was an Indigenous Australian and held Australian nationality. ((kids.kiddle.co))
Career
Geoffrey Gurrumul was a popular Indigenous Australian musician. He was a talented singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist. He passed away in 2017, but his music continues to be loved by people around the world.
Career (1989-2017)
In 1989, Yunupingu became a member of the band Yothu Yindi. He contributed to their album “Tribal Voice” in 1991. Later, he left the band and founded the Saltwater Band, which was active from 1999 to 2009.
In 2008, he released his first solo album “Gurrumul”. It debuted at No.69 on the ARIA Charts and No.1 on the independent chart. It was certified triple platinum. Elton John, Sting, and Björk were among his fans.
Yunupingu’s friend Michael Hohnen produced the album and acted as his translator, collaborator, and confidant. Geoffrey Gurrumul did not give interviews but spoke through his music.
Achievements
In 2008, Yunupingu was nominated for four ARIA Awards, winning the awards for Best World Music Album and Best Independent Release. He also won three Deadlys, winning for Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for Gurrumul, and Single of the Year for “Gurrumul History (I Was Born Blind)”.
In November 2009, Geoffrey Gurrumul won Best New Independent Artist and his album, “Gurrumul”, won Best Independent Release and Best Independent Blues/Roots Release at the Australian Independent Record Awards. A portrait of Yunupingu by Guy Maestri won the Archibald Prize.
In 2011, Yunupingu won the Australian Independent Record Award for Best Independent Blues and Roots Album for his album “Rrakala”. He won the ARIA Award for Best World Music Album in the same year.
In 2012, Yunupingu sang on Gary Barlow’s commemorative single “Sing” for Queen Elizabeth II’s diamond jubilee celebrations. He was conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Music by the University of Sydney in the same year.
In 2013, Yunupingu joined Delta Goodrem for a special performance of “Bayini” on The Voice Australia. He released a live album titled “His Life and Music” in December 2013. In 2015, Yunupingu toured the US and released his third studio album, “The Gospel Album”.
It debuted at number 3 on the ARIA Charts and won the ARIA Award for Best World Music Album in 2015. In 2016, he featured on the A.B. Original track “Take Me Home”.
Posthumous Releases | Recognition (2018-Present)
In April 2018, Yunupingu’s fourth studio album, “Djarimirri (Child of the Rainbow)” was released. It was completed by his friend Michael Hohnen. A documentary film titled “Gurrumul” was also released, chronicling his life and achievements. Yunupingu’s music continues to inspire people all over the world.
Discography
Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu was a singer who released many albums during his career, such as “Gurrumul,” “Rrakala,” “Djarimirri: Child of the Rainbow,” and “The Gospel Album.” ((qobuz.com)) You can find a list of all his albums on music websites like AllMusic, Qobuz, Last.fm, RateYourMusic, and Discogs.
Awards | Nominations
Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu was a successful musician who won 9 awards and received 21 nominations throughout his career. He won two ARIA awards and three Deadly Awards. ((getsongbpm.com)) He was also nominated for a World Music Award. ((allmusic.com))
Death (2017)
Yunupingu passed away in 2017 at the age of 46. He had contracted hepatitis B in childhood, which had caused liver and kidney damage. On his death, he was described as an important figure in fostering racial harmony and as a voice of Indigenous Australians.
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