Australian hall of fame claims Kiwi singer-songwriter

Six artists have been awarded the highest honour in Australian music, including late Indigenous musician Gurrumul. The celebrated artist from the Gumatj clan of Elcho Island in Arnhem Land will be inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association Hall of Fame alongside Jenny Morris, Kate Ceberano, Spiderbait, The Living End and Vika and Linda. The Australian music veterans will join the likes of AC/DC, Jet, Missy Higgins, Yothu Yindi and Kylie Minogue as inductees. "You can't imagine the soundtrack to life in Australia without these artists," Federal Arts Minister Tony Burke said of the 2026 additions. "And, yeah, I know Jenny was born in New Zealand but we're claiming her too." New Zealand-Australian singer-songwriter Morris rose to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s with her work with bands QED and INXS before embarking on a successful solo career. Born blind in 1971 in East Arnhem Land, singer Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu's voice and music took him around the world, including performances at New York's Carnegie Hall and at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concert in London. The beloved musician has left a lasting cultural legacy through his work and ranks as one of the most decorated First Nations artists. He died in 2017 at age 46 after a battle with kidney and liver disease. Rock band The Living End, vocal duo Vika and Linda, alternative rock band Spiderbait, and singer and songwriter Kate Ceberano will also be inducted into the Hall of Fame at a special 40th anniversary event at Carriageworks, Sydney, on June 11. "As we mark 40 years of the ARIA Awards, it feels especially meaningful to honour these artists whose work has defined moments in time and continues to resonate with audiences today," chief executive Annabelle Herd said. "Each of these artists has shaped how Australian music is heard and understood at home and around the world."