Who Is Joan Armatrading? Age, Biography and Wiki
Joan Armatrading, an iconic English musician, was born on December 9, 1950, in Basseterre, Saint Kitts. As of 2025, she is 74 years old. Armatrading's unique blend of folk, rock, and pop has garnered her a devoted fanbase and critical acclaim. Throughout her illustrious career, she has released over 20 albums and is known for hits like "Love and Affection" and "Drop the Pilot". With over five decades in the music industry, she remains a significant figure in contemporary music.
| Occupation | Blues Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 9, 1950 |
| Age | 74 Years |
| Birth Place | Basseterre, Saint Christopher and Nevis, British Leeward Islands |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country |
Popularity
Joan Armatrading's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Joan Armatrading stands at approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall. While her weight fluctuates, she maintains a healthy lifestyle that keeps her energized for performances and songwriting. Although specific measurements are not publicly detailed, Armatrading is known for her graceful presence on stage.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Over the years, Joan Armatrading has kept her personal life relatively private. As of 2025, there are no confirmed reports of a boyfriend or girlfriend; however, it's known she has had significant relationships in the past. Her dedication to her music often left little room for a public romantic life, allowing fans to focus on her artistic contributions rather than her personal relationships.
Her father was a carpenter and her mother a housewife. When she was three years old, her parents moved with their two eldest boys to Birmingham in England, sending Armatrading to live with her grandmother on the West Indian island of Antigua.
Net Worth and Salary
Joan Armatrading's estimated net worth in 2025 is approximately $5 million. Her wealth stems from her successful music career, which includes album sales, live performances, and royalties. With numerous awards under her belt, including two BRIT Awards and a Grammy nomination, Armatrading’s impact on the music industry has undoubtedly contributed to her financial success.
Career, Business and Investments
Armatrading’s career began in the early 1970s, quickly rising to prominence with her distinctive voice and skillful guitar playing. She gained international recognition in the 1970s and 80s and has continued to evolve her sound over the years. Apart from her music career, she has ventured into songwriting for film and television and has also engaged in charitable work, particularly supporting various organizations related to mental health and the arts.
In recent years, she has taken an active interest in investments, focusing on ethically aligned businesses and community initiatives that promote the arts.
Armatrading left school at the age of 15 to help support her family. She lost her first job (as a typist and comptometer operator) after taking her guitar to work and playing it during tea-breaks.
Social Network
Joan Armatrading maintains an active presence on social media. She engages with her fans through platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, sharing snippets of her music, personal reflections, and insights into her life as a musician. Her social media presence allows fans to feel connected to her journey and shows her appreciation for their support.
In addition to recording, Armatrading has toured extensively and appeared in high-profile concerts such as "The Picnic at Blackbushe" in 1978 (alongside Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton) and The Prince's Trust Rock Gala in 1983. She also appeared in the film The Secret Policeman's Third Ball in 1987.
She has also made many appearances on television, including The Old Grey Whistle Test in 1975, "Joan Armatrading: Rock Over Europe" in 1980, "Joan Armatrading in Concert" in 1982, "Late Night in Concert" in 1984, "Joan Armatrading" in 1985 and "In Concert" in 1988.
Education
Armatrading's educational background includes attending school in Birmingham, England, where she developed her passion for music. While she did not pursue formal music education at a university level, she honed her craft through practice and performing at various venues, ultimately shaping her into the celebrated artist she is today.
Armatrading first performed in a concert at Birmingham University for her brother at the age of about 16. She knew only her own songs, but her brother asked her to perform something that would be familiar to the audience; she chose "The Sound of Silence".
She then performed her own songs around the local area with a friend from school, and played bass- and rhythm-guitar at local clubs. In 1968 Armatrading joined a touring production of the stage musical Hair.
There she met the lyricist Pam Nestor in 1970, and they worked together on Armatrading's debut album Whatever's for Us, released by Cube Records in 1972.
Nestor wrote the lyrics to eleven of the 14 songs on the album, while Armatrading wrote the lyrics to three of them, performed all the vocals, wrote all the music and played an array of instruments on the album. Although Nestor was credited as co-lyricist, Cube regarded Armatrading as the more likely star material.
These events produced a tension that broke up the partnership.
