Coloured Stone

Coloured Stone originated in 1977 when frontman Bunna Lawrie formed the ensemble at Kooniba Mission in Australia's Northern Territory. Lawrie and two brothers began by performing covers in minor communities and remote settlements. Early recognition arrived in 1978 after their composition "Dancing in the Moonlight" secured first place in a regional songwriting competition. The musicians assembled original material and reached Sydney in 1981, traveling while staging performances at successive stops along the route.

Their profile expanded following the 1984 debut album Kooniba Rock. The 1985 successor Island of Greed earned national Australian radio exposure and supported extensive tours. Multiple domestic releases appeared throughout the 1980s, complemented by the sole American issue Black Rock From Red Center on Rounder Records in 1987.

Output tapered during the 1990s, though several projects still emerged, among them the 1997 greatest-hits collection Bunna Lawrie's Best of Coloured Stone. In 1999 Lawrie became the first Aboriginal Australian awarded the Don Banks Music Award, a distinction ordinarily presented to classical musicians.