Music Break: Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu – Wiyathul
July 30, 2017
Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, a blind Aboriginal musician renowned for singing in his native Yolngu language with a heart-rending voice, died July 25 in Darwin, Australia. He was 46.
His recording label, Darwin-based Skinnyfish Music, announced the death but did not disclose the cause.
Mr. Yunupingu is now referred to by local media as Dr. G. Yunupingu because of cultural sensitivities among northern Australian Aborigines for naming the dead.
“Yunupingu is remembered today as one of the most important figures in Australian music history, blind from birth and emerging from the remote Galiwin’ku community on Elcho Island off the coast of Arnhem Land to sell over half a million copies of his albums across the world, singing in his native Yolngu language,” the statement said.
July 30, 2017 at 6:51 am
He reminds me a bit of Israel “Iz” Kamakawiwoʻole who died in 1997.
July 30, 2017 at 9:22 am
“a bit”? Just as well you put that little clarifier in because those who look beyond superficial similarities can see the overwhelming differences between the two. HINT: It has to do with 60000 years of cultural history. Stick to shallow pro-Russian bullshit propaganda. That’s what you are good at.
July 30, 2017 at 11:08 am
As a musician and singer, I can hear some definite similarities in their voices – something which you obviously are not equipped to do. You really don’t need to be such an asshole. You truly are a very thick little pilchard. Time you were shoved back in your tin!
July 30, 2017 at 1:40 pm
The usual asinine vulgarities from Putin’s own version of “The Mooch” rather than a substantive answer to M M’s intelligent comment . Why am I not surprised?
July 30, 2017 at 1:43 pm
July 30, 2017 at 3:20 pm
LMAQ! I absolutely guarantee that EVERYONE that sees this comment (except maybe that russian troll butt-sniffer DweebyJ) will have the same thought I did—–that it would truly be wonderful if this were a “selfie” of darling Vera doing away with herself and saying goodbye to Crock. LOL
July 30, 2017 at 5:00 pm
LOL! You’re certifiably insane!
This is you on a good day:
July 31, 2017 at 8:15 am
Your effectively spitting on someone’s grave. The behaviour of both of you two is shameful! Learn some respect!
July 30, 2017 at 8:31 am
Being left handed, he learned from an early age to just play a “standard” guitar upside down rather than have it restrung to suit left handed playing.
A brilliant musician who will be sadly missed…
July 30, 2017 at 9:23 am
He’s a national treasure and a testament to the most resilient “mob” in the world.
July 30, 2017 at 9:11 am
Thank you for this.
July 30, 2017 at 12:41 pm
Some folk music from a place a little closer to Greenland:
July 30, 2017 at 5:09 pm
really lovely. thanks.
July 30, 2017 at 9:35 pm
I thought so too. I mostly exist in the realm of classical music, but Julie Fowlis and Irish folk music are my guilty pleasure.
July 31, 2017 at 12:36 am
I had the pleasure of hearing Dr G live in concert and he really did leave the audience in tears.