'My brown skin baby' composer passes away

LETTER TO THE EDITOR
 
Both Territory Senators are mourning the passing of Tjilipi Bob Randall, creator of the famous song “My Brown Skin Baby They Take Him Away”.
 
He died in Mutitjulu near Uluru on Tuesday.
 
Both Nova Peris and Nigel Scullion referred to the Yankunytjatjara man as Uncle Bob.
 
Senator Peris said he “helped shine a light on the Stolen Generations” and his song “has been hailed as an anthem for the Stolen Generations and helped bring the issue to public prominence.
 
“Without strong men who had the courage to talk about the issue the recognition necessary for reconciliation would not exist today.
 
We need more strong and proud men like Uncle Bob, the Territory and the nation is better off because of his advocacy. Territorians should be proud of his achievements.”
 
Senator Scullion said Uncle Bob became internationally renowned also for his work on various films.
 
“He notably co-produced and narrated the documentary Kanyini that received a number of awards including the 2006 Discovery Channel, Best Documentary Award.
 
“He continued to write throughout the later years of his life and grew an international reputation as a spiritual leader, presenting teachings based on the Anangu ‘Kanyini’ principles of caring for the environment and each other.
 
“Uncle Bob will be remembered as a teacher, musician, storyteller, activist and spiritual leader,” said Senator Scullion.
 
Both offered condolences to Uncle Bob’s daughter, Dorethea, and all his family.
 
PHOTO: Mr Randall performing his famous song in the Bungalow play at the Mbantua Festival in Alice Springs in 2013. (Photo published with permission from Dorethea Randall.)