Joan Armatrading

Joan Armatrading is an artist who has always stayed true to herself. She has always been a pioneer in what she does – ever since the release of her first album in 1972 when her then record company, by their own admission, had little idea of how to present her, being so outside the norm. It should also be remembered that Joan Armatrading was the very first female singer/songwriter from the UK to have international success with the songs she wrote and performed.

Known as a true craftsman, Joan’s distinctive vocals and consummate musicianship - she has arranged as well as played nearly every instrument herself on the last five albums – have led to widespread and consistent critical acclaim. Effortlessly eclectic, her sound has ranged from jazz to soul to sophisticated pop, all driven by her passionate guitar. Joan’s subtle and sublime music has touched millions of people all over the world. Some of her classic and memorable songs are “Love and Affection,” “Drop the Pilot,” and “Me Myself I.”

Among her many accolades, she has been made a CBE (from an MBE) and was honored with an Ivor Novello Award. She has received countless gold and platinum awards and figured large in VH1’s Top 100 voted poll ‘The Most Influential Woman In Rock’. She has also received an Americana Lifetime Achievement Award plus a Lifetime Achievement Award from Women of the Year. She became the first female British artist to debut at No.1 on the Billboard Blues chart, where she stayed for 12 consecutive weeks, and also the first ever female UK artist to be nominated for a Grammy in the blues category.

In 2014/2015 Joan undertook her last massive world tour – it covered an incredible 235 dates with most selling out as soon as they went on sale. Joan made it clear, however, she was not leaving the road for good – ‘I’ll never retire” – just withdraw from year-long excursions’ she said.

Now in 2024, Joan is set to release, 'How Did This Happen And What Does It Now Mean,' her 23rd studio album to date.