Armatrading, Joan (1947–)

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Armatrading, Joan (1947–)

West Indian-British singer and guitarist. Born 1947 in St. Kitts, West Indies.

Highly regarded in Britain, especially in the women's movement, because of her independence, feminist lyrics, and imaginative guitar playing; moved with family to Birmingham, England (1958); with friend Pam Nestor, began recording with Cube records, releasing debut album Whatever's for Us (1972); ended partnership with Nestor and moved to A&M; albums include Back to the Night (1975), Joan Armatrading (1976), Stepping Out (1979), Me, Myself and I (1980), Walk Under Ladders (1981), and Secret Secrets (1985); songs include "Love and Affection," "Down to Zero," and "Drop the Pilot"; asked to write a tribute song for Nelson Mandela (1999), wrote "The Messenger." Made a Member of the British Empire (MBE, 2001).