Pauline Black

Pauline Black is a British singer, actor and writer known as the frontwoman of the Selecter. The group emerged from Coventry’s 2 Tone scene, bringing ska into a multiracial movement that connected music with questions of identity and racism. Its early albums included Too Much Pressure and Celebrate the Bullet.

Black’s work extends beyond music to acting and autobiographical writing. Her memoir Black by Design became the basis for the documentary Pauline Black: A 2-Tone Story, made with director Jane Mingay. She received an OBE in 2022.