About Marlene Cummins
Marlene Cummins was a singer, songwriter and saxophonist.
Marlene Cummins is a jazz blues singer, saxophonist, songwriter, artist, Aboriginal Australian activist, broadcaster, dancer, and actor. The three songs were performed by Marlene at Sydney Conservatorium of Music on 30 June 2012 at "Our Music, Performing Place, Listening to Sydney" playing day with other aboriginal artists. Pemulwuy was an infamous and heroic aboriginal warrior in the first days of the Sydney colony near Parramatta.
She provided music for a Griffin Theatre Company production Shark Island Stories based on the work of Sally Morgan. at which she was the headline act.
Activism Cummins joined the Aboriginal Tent Embassy at age 16 and was at the centre of the Aboriginal rights movement in the 1970s.
She was a founding member of the Australian Black Panther Party, which was inspired by the American Black Panther Party.
Personal life Marlene Cummins was born in Cunnamulla, grew up in outback Queensland and Acacia Ridge, and has lived in Redfern for decades.
Discography Albums + List of albums, with selected details Title Details Koori Woman Blues Released: 2014 Label: GoSet Music (GOSET007MC) Format: digital, CD
Extended plays + List of EP, with selected details Title Details Whichway Up Released: 2008 Label: Format: CD
Awards National Indigenous Music Awards The National Indigenous Music Awards recognise excellence, innovation and leadership among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians from throughout Australia. They commenced in 2004. 2026 Marlene Cummins Hall of Fame
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Important facts
Frequently asked questions
Who was Marlene Cummins?
musical artist
When was Marlene Cummins born?
Marlene Cummins was born in Cunnamulla.
What was Marlene Cummins's occupation?
Marlene Cummins was a singer, songwriter and saxophonist.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Marlene Cummins. https://biography.guide/marlene-cummins/
MLA: "Marlene Cummins." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/marlene-cummins/.
Chicago: "Marlene Cummins." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/marlene-cummins/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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