In March 2022, Joan Armatrading, the renowned British singer-songwriter, released a new album titled “Consequences.” The album was well-received by both fans and critics, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career.
Joan was born in the Caribbean Island of Saint Christopher and Nevis in 1950.
Her family migrated to the UK and moved to Birmingham in 1953. Joan joined them in Brookfields at the age of 7. As a child she began playing and writing songs on an old piano and her mum bought her first guitar in a pawn shop in exchange for two prams. She went on to perform at Birmingham University at the age of 15, then locally in the city and joined a touring production of Hair in 1968.
Her first album co-written with Pam Nestor – Whatever’s For Us – came out in 1972 and the rest is history.
It was her third album, “Joan Armatrading” (1976), that catapulted her to international fame. The album featured the hit single “Love and Affection,” which became her signature song and remains one of her most beloved tracks. With its soulful melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Love and Affection” established Armatrading as a prominent figure in the music industry and earned her a devoted fan base.
Awards
Joan has received multiple British and International awards and nominations plus an MBE and CBE. In 2022 she was made an Honorary Fellow of Newnham College, Cambridge.
Beyond her musical accomplishments, Joan is also known for her philanthropic efforts and advocacy work. She has been a vocal supporter of various social and environmental causes, using her platform to raise awareness and promote positive change.
Today, Joan’s legacy as a pioneering singer-songwriter continues to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers around the world. With her powerful voice, heartfelt lyrics, and enduring passion for music, she remains an iconic figure in the history of popular music.
“My songs aren’t about me at all. They’re always about love, the pain and anguish of it. But the way I’ve always written is from observation. They’re about what I see other people going through. If the songs were about me I’d be so embarrassed I don’t think I’d be able to walk out the front door.”
“Women need to take back charge of their minds.”
“Women have their own power and they need to seize it.”
Image credit: Eckhard Henkel / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 DE
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