Joan Armatrading

Three times Grammy nominated, Joan Armatrading has come a long way since her birth in the West Indies and her upbringing in Birmingham, England. With 19 stunning albums to her credit and a new album _This Charming Life_, Joan's subtle and sublime music has touched millions of people all over the world. _This Charming Life_ was released in Europe & the U.S. in March of this year.

Known as a true craftsman, her distinctive vocals and consummate musicianship – she has arranged as well as played every instrument, with the exception of drums on her forthcoming album – have led to unanimous, widespread and, perhaps most importantly, consistent critical acclaim. Effortlessly eclectic, her sound has ranged from true soul to sophisticated pop driven by her passionate guitar.

In musical terms, Joan Armatrading has achieved far more than most performers even dream of - she has played, and still does, with some of the finest musicians around. She has received countless gold, platinum and silver discs, has been nominated for the Brit Award, has been the recipient of a highly coveted Ivor Novello Award, and figured large in VH1's Top 100 voted poll The Most Influential Woman In Rock. To top all these accolades, Joan has been honored by the Queen and is one of the few female artists ever to receive an MBE.

Leaving school when she was 16, Jaon undertook various jobs, all while writing songs, until signing to Cube Records in 1971. Her debut album, _Whatever's For Us_, produced by the late Gus Dudgeon and written with her friend Pam Nestor, was released the following year on Cube in the UK and A&M in the States. In 1974 Joan signed to A&M worldwide and the career that followed has witnessed a plethora of classic and memorable songs – "Love and Affection," "Down To Zero," "Drop the Pilot," and "Me Myself I." Joan has worked with members of Little Feat, Fairport Convention, XTC, The Police and Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band. Musicians such as Darryl Jones (Rolling Stones), Mark Brzezicki (Big Country), Tony Levin (King Crimson), Manu Katche (Sting), Benmont Tench (Tom Petty), Mark Knopfler and Greg Phillingames have all joined her in the studio.

The first non-jazz artist to play at London's Ronnie Scott's in the main room, Joan has many distinctions to her credit. A long time Ambassador and performer for the Prince's Trust, she lends her support to various charities across the world.