My favorites on that list are “Drop the Pilot”, “Kind Words”, and “When I Get it Right”. She’s written a lot of stuff, though, and just about everything I’ve listened to I’ve liked. Am I the only one who is amazed that she isn’t more famous?
Are you aware that she was born in 1950 and put out her first album in 1974? I’ve heard of her quite a few times and used to have one of her albums. (I got rid of some of my albums last year.) And I’m no expert in obscure music.
You mean 1972. Her bio is in the first link of the OP.
I’m surprised that she’s considered obscure. She’s been in the industry for a long time, is currently on tour, and has worked with some well-knowns. And her music is good. Seems like she oughta have more name recognition.
Sorry, I didn’t even realize that the word “kick-ass” was a link. Um, you claim that Whatever’s for Us came out in 1972, but the webpage in the link says that it came out in 1973, and it says that it came out in 1974 in The Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll.
I wouldn’t say she’s obscure, but JA is flying under the radar of flavor-of-the-month pop fans. One problem Armatrading has had (at least in the market I grew up in, New Orleans) is that she gets ZERO radio airplay. Tom Waits and Joni Mitchell suffer the same affliction.
The only song of hers I remember getting serious radio airplay was “Love and Affection.” I haven’t gotten around to it, but I can’t wait to hear her new album.
Joan Armatrading is was very well known in the 70’s, ask your parents. Besides she is doing pretty well for someone who’s music career was pretty much ended considering she had the whole of “The weakness in me” on “Ten Things I Hate About You”.
She hardly ever plays live, never mind touring, and is an awful interviewee (she’s dreadfully shy). THis doesn’t help in the present music industry as she simply won’t promote herself.
Here in the UK she seems to have settled for a small but UTTERLY devoted audience (heavily comprised of lesbians) who obviously supply her with enough of an income to get by on.
It’s a shame as i think here early stuff is brilliant. She’s no slouch as a guitarist either.
I’ve enjoyed her music since the 70s. She’s a very talented singer/songwriter. I think she’s “unheard” of because only stations like WXRT play her music. There aren’t many stations like them nationwide. Plus, I don’t think she’d sell out for fame and fortune.
i grew up listening to her, my father was a huge fan and his tastes heavily influenced me. thanks to him i spent my entire young life with friends whod go “what huh er who” whenever i mentioned fav music.
“drop the pilot” still gets fairly decent radio play over here, but thats about the only one unfortunately.
I remember seeing her on an episode of Saturday Night Live approx 1978 or '79. IIRC, Shelley Duval hosted that night. JA did Down to Zero and Love and Affection. I was blown away. I’ve been a big fan ever since, but when I try to introduce her to friends, they seem less than impressed. Oh well, that’s their loss.