Joan Armatrading

The Profile

British singer-songwriter born in 1950 in Saint Kitts and raised in the UK, known for a rich contralto voice and a catalog spanning folk rock, pop, rock and blues. Breakthrough came in the mid-1970s with the self-titled album and the song Love and Affection, followed by Me Myself I (1980).

Reviews highlight her contralto voice, lyrical focus on love’s highs and lows, and genre-blending across rock, folk, soul, jazz, pop and new wave. Noted producers and collaborators include Glyn Johns (Joan Armatrading, 1976) and Mike Howlett (Secret Secrets), with guests such as Joe Jackson, Pino Palladino, Mel Gaynor, Dave Bitelli, Danny Federici, Clarence Clemons and Anton Fig. Key tracks mentioned include Love and Affection and Down to Zero.

Three reviews focus on Joan Armatrading’s 1976 self‑titled album, 1980’s Me Myself I, and 1985’s Secret Secrets. They praise her contralto voice, sharp writing, and tasteful production by Glyn Johns and Mike Howlett. Reviewers highlight genre range from folk and rock to soul, jazz, and new wave, and note strong tracks like Love and Affection. Collaborations with noted musicians are frequently cited.