World-renowned Indigenous Australian musician Dr G. Yunupingu has passed away at the age of 46.

A statement from a publicist confirmed that the “great Australian” Dr G. Yunupingu died at Royal Darwin Hospital on Tuesday.

Dr G. Yunpingu is remembered today as one of the most important figures in Australian music history, blind from birth and emerging from the remote Galiwin’ku community on Elcho Island off the coast of Arnhem Land to sell over half a million copies of his albums across the world, singing in his native Yolngu language.

His debut album cemented him as the Australian voice of a generation, hitting triple platinum in Australia, silver in the UK and charting in multiple other countries across the globe.

The highest selling Indigenous artist in history, Dr G. Yunupingu released two subsequent top five studio albums Rrakala and The Gospel Album, achieved a swag of ARIA Awards, performed across the globe for audiences including Queen Elizabeth II and Barack Obama and released the first Indigenous language single to reach the top five, all the while continuing to call Elcho Island home.

Known for blending Western musical styles with Indigenous music and culture, as well as his powerful, emotive vocals, G. Yunupingu’s music was known around the world.

G. Yunupingu’s image and full name are being withheld for cultural reasons.

There was an outpouring of emotion and tribute on social media after the news was announced.

Rest in peace.

Photo: Getty Images.

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