Acclaimed Aboriginal musician Victor Simms has passed away aged 78, drawing the curtains on an inspiring six-decade career.
Acclaimed Aboriginal musician Victor Simms has passed away aged 78, drawing the curtains on a six-decade career in the performance, entertainment — and in his later years — teaching and business industries.
Born in La Perouse Mission in Sydney's south-east in 1946, Uncle Vic rose to prominence as a child prodigy who began songwriting, singing professionally aged just 11.Recorded live in an hour while incarcerated in a Bathurst prison, 1973's The Loner cemented its creator as a pioneering First Nations entertainer.
"He was a much loved personality of the South Sydney community … he was a family man, he loved entertainment, loved his people," Uncle Vic's son, William, said.Uncle Vic's cousin Aunty Yvonne Simmons remembered him as "a bit of a comedian" with a warm and uplifting aura."He travelled a lot, but always came back home . He used to crack jokes all the time … I really loved him. He taught me a lot.
Along his ventures touring Australia as an up-and-coming star, he turned to alcohol and other influences before being driven to commit a robbery and be sent to jail aged 22.Seven years behind bars saw Uncle Vic harness his musical creativity, writing songs, composing, and recording the very album that went on to earn him a spot in Australia's 110 best.
Uncle Vic Simms Sydney Bidjigal Land Bidjigal Elder New South Wales Aboriginal Aboriginal Man Musician Storyteller The Loner
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Palawa Elder Convicted for Protecting Native Forests in TasmaniaPalawa Elder Jim Everett was convicted of trespass for protesting logging in native forests in Tasmania. He was fined $500 and faces a second charge for an earlier protest on his 82nd birthday. Everett maintains that colonial courts have no jurisdiction over him and refuses to pay the fine, viewing it as an aggressive colonial claim over Aboriginal people.
Read more »
Larrakia Elder launches legal challenge over artefacts removed from controversial development siteLee Point is a peninsula north of Darwin where Defence Housing Australia (DHA) plans to build a controversial multi-million-dollar housing development, despite calls from Traditional Owners to see the site protected.
Read more »
Uncle of 22-month-old Harlyn who died in Hobart house fire says family is 'broken'A 22-month-old girl who died in a house fire is described as the 'light of her parents' life' as her uncle pleads for public help.
Read more »
Dennis Harvey, brother and uncle of Floreat murder victims Jennifer and Gretl Petelczyc slams WA police following internal probeDennis Harvey says his family members would be alive today if police had done their job properly.
Read more »
With the inquest into Mark Haines' death set to resume, his Uncle says bombshell evidence will be presentedUncle Don Craigie has never stopped looking for answers into his nephew's death, and says they may be coming.
Read more »
Diana would be proud of Prince Harry for winning Sun apology, says Charles SpencerDuke’s uncle says he showed ‘great tenacity’ in securing full and unequivocal apology from News Group Newspapers
Read more »