​​Born in London in 1945, singer, songwriter and poet Labi Siffre is, amongst those who remember his classic 1970s catalog, deeply beloved for his flawless blend of soul, folk, jazz, reggae and funk. And his songs paired warm melodies with introspective, often socially conscious lyrics. A cultural trailblazer, Siffre openly questioned religion and broke barriers for artists of color and the LGBTQ+ community, long before such conversations were regular in popular music.

Though he never became a mainstream star during his heyday, Siffre’s influence has proved enduring, through sampling and covers by JAŸ-Z, Primal Scream, Eminem, Miguel and more (not to mention his recent TikTok resurgence). He’s an unsung hero with a remarkable body of work still waiting to be discovered, and now is a perfect time with his first new album in almost 30 years on the way. Even at 80, his warmth and quiet strength remain fully intact on the gorgeous piano ballad “Far Away,” a moving reminder of a singular voice and a unique and lasting legacy.