June 2nd: Today's Feature

June

Joan Anita Barbara Armatrading CBE, born on December 9, 1950, is a singer-songwriter and guitarist from St. Kitts and Nevis, who is now based in England.

Throughout her career, Armatrading has been recognised with three Grammy Award nominations and two BRIT Award nominations for Best Female Artist. She was also honoured with an Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contemporary Song Collection in 1996.

With a music career that spans almost five decades, Armatrading has released a total of 20 studio albums, in addition to various live albums and compilations.

Early Life

Joan Armatrading, born in 1950 in Basseterre, Saint Christopher and Nevis, was the third of six children. Her father worked as a carpenter while her mother was a housewife. At the age of three, she was sent to live with her grandmother in Antigua when her parents moved to Birmingham with her two older brothers.

In 1958, at the age of seven, Armatrading joined her parents in Brookfields, Birmingham. Her father, who had played in a band in his youth, did not allow his children to touch his guitar. At 14, she started writing songs by putting her limericks to music on a piano her mother had bought as a piece of furniture. She then taught herself to play the guitar after her mother purchased one for £3 from a pawn shop.

Leaving school at 15 to help support her family, Armatrading lost her first job as a typist and comptometer operator for bringing her guitar to work and playing it during tea breaks.

Career

Throughout the 1970s, she made several appearances on the John Peel show and became the first Black British female singer-songwriter to achieve international success.

From 1972 to 1976, Armatrading participated in eight sessions for the John Peel show, marking a significant period in her career. Throughout the decade, she achieved the remarkable feat of being the first Black British female singer-songwriter to gain recognition on an international level. This recognition was a testament to her talent and unique musical style that resonated with audiences worldwide.

A pivotal moment in Armatrading's career occurred on 14 May 1977 when she appeared as the musical guest on NBC's Saturday Night Live. This appearance further solidified her status as a rising star in the music industry. During her performance, she captivated the audience with soulful renditions of her songs "Love and Affection" and "Down to Zero," showcasing her exceptional vocal abilities and songwriting skills.

Armatrading's appearance on Saturday Night Live not only showcased her musical prowess but also broke barriers as a Black British female artist. Her performance on such a prominent platform helped pave the way for greater representation and diversity in the music industry. It was a momentous occasion that highlighted her talent and paved the way for her continued success in the years to come.

Armatrading was the focus of the one-hour documentary "Me Myself I," which premiered on BBC Four in September 2019. The documentary explored her life story as both a songwriter and performer, featuring key performances from artists she has influenced.

Armatrading's vocal range is that of a contralto, and her music is influenced by a diverse range of genres such as rock, folk, jazz, blues, soul, and reggae. Critics have praised her songs as deeply personal and emotionally raw, capturing the essence of our time. Despite this, Armatrading insists that her songs are not about herself but rather about love and the pain it brings, drawing inspiration from observing others. She admits that her optimistic songs offer a glimpse into her own optimistic nature, as she sees herself as a "glass is half full" kind of person.

Honours & Legacy

Armatrading was a guest at the Coronation of Charles III and Camilla in 2023.

Joan Armatrading's exceptional talent and contributions to the music industry have garnered her numerous accolades and recognition. She has been nominated for prestigious awards such as the Grammy Award and the Brit Award multiple times, showcasing her remarkable skills as a female vocalist. In addition to these nominations, she has been bestowed with honorary degrees from esteemed institutions like Liverpool John Moores University, the University of Birmingham, and the University of Northampton, among others.

Her commitment to music, charity work, and equal rights has been acknowledged through appointments as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). Furthermore, she has been honoured with various lifetime achievement awards, including the BASCA Gold Badge Award and the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Most recently, she was recognised as an Honorary Fellow of Newnham College, Cambridge, where she is celebrated for embodying the spirit of the institution and inspiring others with her intellectual curiosity and determination to reach her full potential.