Joan Jett

Joan Jett, born Joan Marie Larkin on September 22, 1958, in Pennsylvania, is one of the most significant and influential female musicians in the history of rock ‘n’ roll. She gained fame and success as a member of The Runaways and as a solo artist known for hit songs like “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll,” “Bad Reputation,” and “Crimson and Clover.” She has also contributed greatly to the advancement of women in the music industry and has inspired countless female musicians to pursue their dreams of becoming rock stars.

Jett’s passion for music began at a young age. She received her first guitar at the age of 14, and since then, she was determined to make it big in the music industry. Jett formed her first band, The Runaways, in 1975, along with drummer Sandy West. The band was initially put together by music producer Kim Fowley, who wanted to create an all-female rock band. The Runaways quickly gained attention with their electrifying punk rock sound and their fierce, rebellious image. Jett served as the band’s rhythm guitarist and co-lead vocalist, and her musical style helped define The Runaways’ sound.

The Runaways released four albums between 1976 and 1978, which included hit singles like “Cherry Bomb” and “Queens of Noise.” However, despite their success, the band faced many challenges, including sexism, discrimination, and internal conflicts. The Runaways disbanded in 1979, and Jett decided to pursue a solo career.

Jett’s solo debut, “Bad Reputation,” came out in 1980 and showcased her raw, unapologetic rock ‘n’ roll sound. The album includes iconic tracks like “Bad Reputation” and “You Don’t Know What You’ve Got” and solidified Jett’s reputation as a badass rock ‘n’ roller. In 1981, Jett released her best-known song “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll,” which became a worldwide smash hit and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s music video, which features Jett playing guitar and singing in a bar, has become an iconic piece of rock history and showcases Jett’s captivating stage presence.

Jett’s career continued to flourish throughout the 1980s and 1990s. She released several successful albums, including “Album” (1983), “Glorious Results of a Misspent Youth” (1984), and “Up Your Alley” (1988), and collaborated with other musicians, like her friend and fellow rock ‘n’ roller Lita Ford. Jett also made appearances in films and TV shows, including “Light of Day” and “Highlander: The Series.” She continued to tour and perform, and her live shows were renowned for their high energy and incendiary rock ‘n’ roll sound.

Throughout her career, Jett has been a trailblazer for female musicians. Despite the obstacles she faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry, she never compromised her artistic vision or her authenticity. She has also been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has used her platform to raise awareness for important social issues. In 2015, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2019, she received the Clio Music Lifetime Achievement Award.

Joan Jett’s music and legacy continue to inspire and empower new generations of rockers. Her impact on rock ‘n’ roll, and on women in the music industry, cannot be overstated. She has shown that rock ‘n’ roll is not just for men, and that women can be just as fierce, powerful, and influential as their male counterparts. Joan Jett is a true rock ‘n’ roll icon and a master of her craft.