When Joan Armatrading’s mother gave her a beat-up guitar from a pawn shop at age 14, little did she know what would happen next. 19 studio albums later Armatrading is a much loved UK-based singer-songwriter and three-time Grammy Award nominee. Armatrading became the first Black British female singer/songwriter to enjoy international success helped along by eight appearances on the John Peel show between 1972 and 1976. After five years of studying Armatrading graduated in 2001 from a BA degree in history from the Open University. She continues to make television appearances and produce new music.

You don't have to be rich and famous. You just have to be an ordinary person, doing extraordinary things. I'd like more people to know that it's there. Women's achievements still aren't recognized enough in many areas.