Artist Appreciation Post: Joan Armatrading

Last.fm

Joan Armatrading is a singer-songwriter I wish had a fraction of the attention thrown at all the Springsteens, Youngs, and Dylans of the world. She's remained off the grid (at least to US audiences) for most of her career, yet managed to produce a body of work worthy of the acclaim allotted her peers.

Not only is she an ace songwriter, Armatrading has an incredible smoky, soulful voice, and is wholly underrated as a guitarist.

Born in Basseterre on the island of St. Kitts and raised in the English city of Birmingham, she made a name for herself by the early-70s performing on John Peel's BBC show. A few years later she scored her first top ten, "Love and Affection," from her self-titled album. Here are a few of my favorites, starting with an amazing live version of "Down to Zero":