BIO

Affectionately known as The Queen of Lovers Rock, Carroll Thompson is an award-winning singer, songwriter, composer, record producer, vocal arranger, and playwright whose voice has defined a generation of British soul and reggae.

Her legendary debut album Hopelessly in Love was recently voted “The Greatest Lovers Rock Album of All Time” by readers of Mojo magazine — a timeless collection of heartfelt classics including I’m So Sorry, Simply in Love, Happy Song, and the unforgettable title track.

Carroll’s sound is a masterclass in emotion — warm, sensual, and unmistakably soulful. Blending the roots of reggae with the elegance of jazz, soul, ska, and rocksteady, she creates music that moves both heart and body.

Her performance of the original composition September — arranged by Guy Barker for BBC4’s Jazz Voice 2022 — caught the attention of the EFG London Jazz Festival and cemented her reputation as one of the UK’s most distinctive and versatile female singer-songwriters.

Renowned for her powerful live performances, Carroll has graced major venues and festivals across the UK, Europe, the Caribbean, the USA, Asia, and Japan. Her stage presence transforms every show into a deeply emotional journey through love, rhythm, and storytelling.

Beyond her solo work, Carroll has lent her voice and arrangements to a glittering list of music legends including Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Sade, Pet Shop Boys, Natalie Cole, B.B. King, Chaka Khan, Eric Clapton, M People, Art Blakey, Jools Holland, Courtney Pine, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Kylie Minogue, Billy Ocean, Boy George, Maxi Priest, Aswad, Sly & Robbie, and Annie Lennox.

As a composer, her music has featured in productions for BBC1, BBC2, Channel 4, Formation Films, Oxford Films/TV, Initial TV, and Comedy Central, as well as in Neil Jordan’s Oscar- and BAFTA-winning film The Crying Game.

Carroll also brought her artistry to the stage with her acclaimed theatrical work The Lovers Rock Monologues, showcased at Birmingham Rep, The Tricycle Theatre, and The Royal Court.

Honours & Awards

• Featured in The Evening Standard’s UK’s 100 Best Black Britons

• BBC Radio London “Queen of Lovers Rock” Award

• Barclays Woman of Merit Award

• Outstanding Contribution to Black Music

• Artist to Artist “Outstanding Contribution to Lovers Rock” Award

• Lovers Rock Movement “Best Songwriter” Award

• Hidden Creative Industries “Best Selling Lovers Rock Album” Award

What the Press Says

“One of the UK’s hidden treasures.” — The Voice (UK)
“One of the 100 Greatest Black Britons of All Time.” — Evening Standard
“A bridge over troubled water for an audience with romance on its mind — in the bedroom and on the dance floor.” — BBC Radio 5 Live
“No one sings more sultry.” — BBC Radio London
“An eclectic and creative artist who remains powerfully relevant in an ever-changing musical world.” — Mojo Magazine

🎧 Listen: YouTube – Carroll Thompson