Black and Deadly: First Nations female music stars

Celebrating the black and deadly women of Australian music, from Fanny Smith in the 1890s to Jessica Mauboy in the 21st century. Jazz singers Georgia Lee and her niece Wilma Reading were among the first Aboriginal female artists to be recognised by the music industry and enjoyed flourishing international careers. Country music, with its themes of love, loss and land, was inspirational for award-winning singer Auriel Andrew.

Since the 1990s, artists such as Christine Anu, the Stiff Gins and Shakaya have made their start through music mentoring programs such as Eora in Sydney, the Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music in Adelaide and the ATSIC music college in Cairns. In the 21st century, the success of Thelma Plum and Jessica Mauboy builds on the careers of the pioneering women artists who came before them.

WARNING: this collection contains names, images or voices of deceased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.