DALE ROBERT HUDDLESTON

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

Dale Robert Huddleston is a renowned singer, songwriter and artist. He is a draw card at events and festivals. As a “jack of all trades” he curates and gathers First Nations performers and artists, hosts artistic workshops and is a stand-out musician in his own right.

Dale won’t tell you himself, but he has supported the likes of Jessica Mauboy, Troy Cassar Daley, Casey Donovan, Archie Roach, Yothu Yindi, Jimmy Little, Blue King Brown, Russell Morris, Shane Howard & Goanna.

When you hear the smooth country-rock tones of Dale, it won’t surprise you to know he is a returning performer at the Tamworth Music Festival. He will, however, leave you wondering why an agent from Nashville hasn’t yet poached him from the Australian music scene! That is, until you hear the love of his country in the title track from one of his albums ‘Home is where the heart is’. An upbeat track, with ethereal tones of the solo electric guitar and a stirring anthem about the call of country.

Dale writes a blend of songs about Aboriginal culture and a connection to land, people and family. He is a gifted musician, and plays the guitar and the didgeridoo. He has released five albums. His most recent album, ‘Simple Things’, is a stand out collection of lyrics and music composed by Dale. The title track, a heartwarming song about his daughter, is a classic country music ballad.

His artwork has featured on the jerseys of Super Rugby Club, the ACT Brumbies, at the Sydney 2000 Olympic games, the National Museum of Australia and his murals are a talking point around the Canberra region. As an artist, Dale paints on canvas, bark, buildings and does elaborate woodcarvings and designs. You can find his paintings displayed at Burrunju Aboriginal Gallery and his other creations are available on this site.

On top of all this, Dale is a prominent figure in community. He uses his talent to teach young people art and music as part of his work with Aboriginal youth corporation, Gugan Gulwan. He has been supporting events and emerging and established artists and musicians in the local Koori community for decades. Dale will be painting with kids during Giiyong Festival - drop into his stall in the Guganyala Arts Market.

Dale is part of the Ngardi language group in the Roper River region of East Arnhem Land, NT, through his father. He has cultural ties with the Wiradjuri people and the Talbragar people, NSW, through his mother. Dale is also a former footy legend.

Image: Deborah Stanley