Tamworth Regional Council is excited to announce proud Kamilaroi/Gomeroi man and accomplished country music singer Uncle Roger Knox as the 2022 Galaxy of Stars inductee.
Moving to Tamworth at just 17 years of age, Uncle Roger started his music career as a gospel singer, quickly picking up the nickname ‘The Black Elvis’ for his hairstyle and snappy dressing.
Across his long and illustrious career Uncle Roger Knox has released five albums, toured nationally and internationally and received a number of accolades.
Uncle Roger was presented with his award at a ceremony at the Toyota Country Music Festival, Tamworth today.
Toyota Country Music Festival Manager, Barry Harley said: “The Galaxy of Stars was launched more than 20 years ago by Tamworth Regional Council to recognise artists who’ve made a significant contribution to Australia’s music industry,”
“I congratulate Uncle Roger Knox on being named the 2022 Galaxy of Stars inductee. He continues to have a fantastic career and he’s made a huge impact on Australia’s country music scene.”
In 1993, Uncle Roger was awarded two NAIDOC awards - National and NSW Indigenous Artist of the Year and in 2002 also contributed to the album Gamilaraay & Yuwaalaraay Songs – a compilation of language songs.
In 2004 Uncle Roger was inducted into the Country Music Hands of Fame and in 2006 was the recipient of the Jimmy Little Award for Lifetime Achievement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait music at the Deadly Awards.
Uncle Roger was also inducted into the Hall of Fame at the National Indigenous Music Awards in Darwin in 2018.
“Through his music Uncle Roger regularly supports his community through NAIDOC, fundraising efforts and promoting educational activities to support his community,” Mr Harley said.
“He is a fantastic artist and ambassador country music, who has used music and singing as part of his culture to bring people together.”
Uncle Roger follows in the footsteps of some country music greats including the iconic Slim Dusty, who was the first ever Galaxy of Stars inductee in the year 2000. Since then, more than 30 other artists and groups have been inducted including, Troy Cassar-Daley, Lee Kernaghan, Kasey Chambers and John Williamson.
Uncle Roger’s plaque will now be installed at the Galaxy of Stars display in the forecourt at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre.