Almost a decade to the day, legendary musician Jimmy Little received the Red Ochre Award for his lifetime work in music and advocacy.
In celebration, Gunnai, Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara, and Dhuduroa artist Dixon Patten has worked with Google to create a one-of-a-kind homage on the site’s main page.
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NITV Remembers: Uncle Jimmy Little
Illustrating Little's life and legacy
Speaking to Google, the Naarm-based artist said he had a personal connection to Little through their Yorta Yorta and Yuin heritage.
“As I was growing up, his music was a constant among my families and my playlists,” Mr Patten said.
Creating the artwork saw Mr Patten draw inspiration from Little’s music and his connection to Country.
I listened to his music as I created this art, and I believe his harmonies influenced the outcome,” he said.
“The art acknowledges his connection to Yuin Country, coastal – saltwater people and also Yorta Yorta Country – freshwater people.”
The design features the Umbarra, the Pacific Black Duck which is a tribal totem for the Yuin Nation and the Bayaderra, the Eastern Long-necked Turtle - a tribal totem for the Yorta Yorta Nation.
Mr Patten told Google that even the colour palette was designed to reflect Little's Country, referencing the Pacific Ocean, Wallaga Lake and the Murray River.
Much loved Aboriginal Singer Uncle Jimmy Little AO. Source: Facebook
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What was the Cummeragunja Walk-Off?
Who is Jimmy Little?
Dr James “Jimmy” Oswald Little AO was born on March 1, 1937. The eldest of seven children, he was raised on Cummeragunja Mission Station on the Murray River.
The Yorta Yorta/Yuin man first picked up a guitar at 13, taking to it quickly he was playing local concerts in just a year.
In 1955 he took the leap and moved to Sydney, pursuing a country music career. By 1956, he had signed to Regal Zonophone Records and recorded his first single Mysteries of Life/Hearbreak Waltz.
Aboriginal Singer Uncle Jimmy Little AO was born on this day in 1937. He was widely loved and known as a true gentleman with 'The Honey Voice' Source: Facebook
In 1959 he married Marjorie Rose Peters, who was almost making a name for herself in the music industry, they had their first child, Frances Claire shortly after.
The same year, Little hit the charts with Danny Boy. In 1963, Little hit the big time with his cover of gospel song Royal Telephone which hit #1 Sydney and #3 in Melbourne.
Its success made history, being the first song by an Indigenous artist to hit the mainstream.
Little was hitting his stride at a time when his people weren't counted as citizens.
"He was going to play in places where they would tell him that he had to walk in the back door," his former manager Graham ‘Bizz’ Bidstrup told the ABC.
Jimmy Little made history, being the first Indigenous musician to top the charts. Source: Supplied
In 1989, Little received the National Aboriginal Day of Observance Committee’s Aboriginal of the Year award, in 2002 he was named NSW Senior Australian of the Year, and in 2004 he was the recipient of the Australia Council Red Ochre Award.
The same year he received an Order of Australia for his health and education advocacy and was recognised as a “living Australian treasure” via public vote.
In 1990, Little was diagnosed with kidney disease which led to kidney failure and Type II diabetes. In 2006 he established The Jimmy Little Foundation.
"Unfortunately, I didn't get check-ups often enough or soon enough to realise the possibility that my kidneys could fail," he said.
“I have seen too much fear and sadness caused by the early death and suffering from potentially preventable chronic illnesses by my Indigenous brothers and sisters.
“I started The Jimmy Little Foundation to do something positive to curb the rate of chronic disease. Our goal is to promote a healthier future for Indigenous Australians and I hope you will join us to help realise our dream."
On April 2, 2012 Little died at Dubbo home, aged 75.
Late Aboriginal Singer Uncle Jimmy Little AO is remembered fondly by loved ones. Source: Facebook
