"I write," says Joan Armatrading, "because I love it.”
Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading has spent more than five decades creating music entirely on her own terms. As a singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer and composer, she has built one of the most distinctive and influential careers in British music.
The first UK female singer songwriter to achieve international success, Joan’s music has crossed rock, blues, jazz, folk and soul while always remaining unmistakably her own. Known for songs including Love And Affection, Willow, Drop The Pilot, Me Myself I and Lovers Speak, her work combines powerful songwriting with rhythmic acoustic guitar playing and melodic electric solos.
Throughout her career Joan has remained independent in spirit and uncompromising in her creativity, continuing to write, record and produce acclaimed music for audiences around the world.
Early Life & Beginnings
Joan Armatrading was born in St Kitts on 9 December 1950 and moved to England with her family at the age of seven, growing up in Birmingham. She took her first musical steps on her mother’s piano before teaching herself guitar after persuading her parents to buy one from a pawn shop. By the age of 14 she was already writing her own songs.
Her debut album, Whatever’s For Us, produced by Gus Dudgeon and released on Cube Records in 1972, received critical acclaim and saw Joan voted Best Newcomer. Two years later she signed worldwide to A&M Records and a remarkable run of classic recordings followed.
International Success
Over the years Joan has released 22 acclaimed albums, building an international audience with music that has touched millions around the world. In 1973 she was named Outstanding New Artist by Music Week and she has continued to receive recognition throughout her career.
Among her many honours are an MBE awarded in 2001 and a CBE awarded in 2020. She has also received the keys to the city of Sydney.
Three times Grammy nominated and twice Brit nominated, Joan is the recipient of an Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contemporary Song Collection and the BASCA Gold Badge Award. Her achievements also include the British Folk Festival Award, BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Lifetime Achievement and the MMF Artist’s Artist Award.
In 2007 Joan became the first female British artist to debut at number one on Billboard’s Blues chart with Into The Blues, which remained at the top for 12 consecutive weeks. She toured internationally in support of the album and later released a deluxe CD and DVD edition showcasing her celebrated live performances.
Composer, Musician & Performer
Known as a true craftsman, Joan has arranged, produced and played nearly every instrument herself on many of her recordings. In 2003 she released Lovers Speak, a deeply personal project on which she played every instrument except drums and horns.
Her musical versatility has taken her from jazz and blues to sophisticated pop and folk influenced songwriting. She was also the first non jazz artist to perform in the main room at London’s Ronnie Scott’s.
In 2016 Joan composed the music for the acclaimed Donmar Warehouse production of The Tempest, staged in both London and New York.
Joan has continued to tour throughout her career. Her extensive 2014–2015 world tour covered 235 dates, many of which sold out immediately. While stepping away from year long tours, Joan made clear that she would never retire from performing.
Broadcasting & Media
Joan’s work has extended beyond recording and touring into broadcasting and media. She has presented several series for BBC Radio 2 and Radio 4 and in 2009 interviewed five distinguished guitarists for the BBC, discussing their styles and influences. The series featured Mark Knopfler, John Williams, Bonnie Raitt, Bert Jansch and Russell Lissack.
Education & Recognition
Alongside her musical achievements, Joan pursued a lifelong passion for education. After years of dedicated study she earned a BA Honours degree in History from the Open University while continuing to tour and record.
Her many academic honours include honorary fellowships and doctorates from institutions including the University of Birmingham, Aston University, the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, the University of the West Indies and St Andrews University.
Charity & Community
A long time supporter, Ambassador, Trustee and performer for The King’s Trust, Joan has supported numerous charities throughout the world. In 1998 she released Lullabies With A Difference in aid of PACES, a charity supporting children with cerebral palsy.
In 2008, just one month before her 58th birthday, Joan completed the New York Marathon and helped raise £76,000 for charity.
In 2012 she launched her ‘Local Talent’ initiative, personally selecting 56 emerging artists to perform support slots on her nationwide tour. A double album featuring the musicians was later released, with several of the artists going on to successful careers of their own.
One country especially close to Joan’s heart is South Africa. A long time admirer of Nelson Mandela, she performed for him on two occasions, including his 70th birthday celebration at Wembley Stadium.
In 2024, in support of the Theirworld charity, Joan completed a 300,000 step walk — the equivalent of 131 miles.
Recent Work
In 2010 Joan released This Charming Life, which reached number one in Amazon’s overall download chart. Two years later she followed it with Starlight, a jazz influenced album that highlighted her skill as a guitarist.
In 2018 Joan signed to BMG and released Not Too Far Away, a deeply personal album that became a UK Top 30 release. In 2021 Consequences became a Top 10 album and received widespread acclaim for its songwriting.
Her latest album, How Did This Happen And What Does It Now Mean, released in 2024, continues a remarkable career defined by originality, independence and musical excellence.