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Aboriginal Australian Singer and Songwriter Archie Roach

When he was 3 years old, Roach was taken from his Aboriginal family and placed with a white family, as part of an Australian assimilation program intended to dilute the aboriginal population. The policy, common practice until 1964, was neither publicized nor explained. At 14, he ran away to find his natural family, and spent ten years on the streets, mostly in Melbourne. He sang first for friends, and then was invited to sing in clubs and on radio. "Charcoal Lane," his acclaimed debut album, has just been released.

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Other segments from the episode on August 4, 1992

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, August 4, 1992: Interview with Melle Mel; Interview with Archie Roach; Review of Susan Sontag's novel "The Volcano Lover."
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21:47

Rapper Melle Mel Delivers His "Message"

When the hit rap song "The Message," by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, came out ten years ago, many rappers were inspired by its political message. Now "The New Message," an updated version has been released. Melle Mel was featured on both songs. He joins Fresh Air to talk about the direction of rap music today.

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