Herbie Laughton facts for kids
Herbert Patrick Laughton (born February 7, 1927 – died December 2, 2012) was a talented country singer from Alice Springs in the Northern Territory of Australia. He was also a member of the Stolen Generations, which refers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were taken from their families by Australian government agencies and church missions.
In 2005, Herbert Laughton was honored by being added to the hall of fame at Music NT's Indigenous Music Awards. He was also featured in a documentary and book called Buried Country, which tells the stories of Indigenous country music artists. Other famous singers like Buddy Williams, Auriel Andrew, and Trevor Adamson have performed his songs.
Early life
Herbert Laughton was born on February 7, 1927, near the Todd River in Alice Springs. His father was a Russian miner named Simon Rieff, and his mother was a local Aboriginal woman whose name was not recorded. When he was just a toddler, he was taken away from his mother. He did not see her again until he was in his twenties.
He was sent to a place called The Bungalow, which was then located at Jay Creek. When he was five years old, The Bungalow moved to the Telegraph Station site. Herbert, along with a group of others, walked the 48-kilometer distance to the new location.
Herbert Laughton began his music journey while living at The Bungalow. He was inspired by country singer Tex Morton, who visited when Herbert was only ten years old. His experiences growing up at The Bungalow inspired his song "Old Bungalow Days." The history of Central Australia also became a major theme in his music.
Herbert lived at The Bungalow until he was fifteen. After that, he worked on different cattle stations across the Northern Territory.
Discography
- Herbie Laughton (1990) - Imparja
- Country From The Heart (1999)
Compilations
