Lita Ford

Lita Ford is a name that is synonymous with heavy metal. The American musician and songwriter has been a vital part of the metal scene since the 1970s, and her music continues to inspire new generations of fans around the world. Lita Ford is considered one of the most influential women in rock music history, and her impact on the genre cannot be overstated. In this article, we’ll examine the life and career of Lita Ford, from her early beginnings in The Runaways to her successful solo career.

Lita Ford was born on September 19, 1958, in London, England. Her family relocated to Los Angeles, California when she was a child, and she grew up in a musical household. Her father was a British Army veteran who played guitar, and her mother was a stay-at-home mom who sang in the choir. At the age of 16, Lita joined the all-girl rock band The Runaways, alongside Joan Jett, Sandy West, Cherie Currie, and Jackie Fox. The band quickly gained a reputation for their high-energy performances and rebellious image. They released four albums between 1976 and 1979, and toured extensively in the US and Europe.

After The Runaways disbanded in 1979, Lita Ford began her solo career. In 1983, she released her debut solo album, Out for Blood. The album featured contributions from legendary musicians like Eddie Van Halen, Nikki Sixx, and Aldo Nova. The album was a critical success, and its title track became an anthem for the heavy metal scene. Her second album, Dancin’ on the Edge, was released in 1984 and included the hit singles “Fire in My Heart” and “Gotta Let Go”. Lita Ford quickly became a fixture on MTV, with her music videos receiving constant rotation.

Lita Ford’s third album, Lita, was released in 1988 and was a massive success. It reached #29 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified platinum. The album featured the hit singles “Kiss Me Deadly” and “Close My Eyes Forever”, a duet with Ozzy Osbourne. The song peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remains one of the most iconic ballads of the 1980s. Lita Ford’s next album, Stiletto, was released in 1990 and featured the hit single “Hungry”. The album was another commercial success, reaching #52 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Throughout the 1990s, Lita Ford continued to release successful albums and tour extensively. Her fifth album, Dangerous Curves, was released in 1991 and featured the hit single “Shot of Poison”. In 1995, she released Black, which was a departure from her previous albums in terms of its more introspective and personal lyrics. Throughout the decade, Lita Ford continued to be a role model for female musicians in the heavy metal genre. Her music and image inspired countless women to pick up a guitar and start rocking.

In recent years, Lita Ford has continued to tour and release new music. In 2012, she released the album Living Like a Runaway, which was a return to her heavy metal roots. The album was well-received by fans and critics alike, and its title track was nominated for a Grammy Award. In 2016, Lita Ford released Time Capsule, an album that featured previously unreleased recordings from the 1980s. The album was a treasure trove for fans of Lita Ford’s classic sound, and included collaborations with Billy Sheehan, Jeff Scott Soto, and Rodger Carter.

Lita Ford’s enduring legacy is a testament to her talent and influence. Her music and image continue to inspire new generations of heavy metal musicians and fans. Lita Ford is not only a groundbreaking musician, but also a trailblazer for women in the music industry. She once said, “I hope I’ve made it easier for other women to get into rock music.” There’s no doubt that Lita Ford has done just that, and she will always be known as the Queen of Heavy Metal.