Joan Armatrading (1950-), Singer

Sitter in 5 portraits
Born in Basseterre, the capital of St Kitts in the West Indies, Armatrading came to England aged seven and grew up in Birmingham, teaching herself to play the guitar and writing songs. Her breakthrough album Joan Armatrading (1976) included the Top Ten hit Love and Affection. Many more hits followed and her success as a black singer and songwriter has influenced others such as Tracy Chapman and Tasmin Archer.