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Who Is Joan Jett?
Joan Jett is a trailblazing singer, songwriter, and producer who rose to fame as a teenager in the punk-pop band The Runaways. Renowned for her influence in rock music, Jett is best known for recording iconic hits like “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll”, founding her independent label Blackheart Records, and producing notable Riot Grrrl acts such as Bikini Kill and L7. Her groundbreaking career and impact on music were dramatized in the biographical film The Runaways.
Early Life
Born Joan Marie Larkin on September 22, 1958, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jett demonstrated a passion for music from a young age. At just 14, she received her first guitar, igniting a lifelong pursuit of musical expression. After moving to Southern California, she became a regular at Rodney Bingenheimer’s English Disco, a popular club for youth inspired by glam rock. This scene deeply influenced her sound and persona. Reflecting on her roots, Jett shared with Esquire, “I learned to scream from Marc Bolan of T. Rex.”
Her early experiences set the foundation for her legendary career, cementing her place as one of rock music’s most enduring icons.
Early Albums
The Runaways
Joan Jett began her music career as a teenager, co-founding the groundbreaking all-female rock band, The Runaways. The final lineup included Jett on guitar and vocals, Sandy West on drums, Cherie Currie as lead vocalist, Jackie Fox on bass guitar, and Lita Ford on guitar. The band was ahead of its time, delivering a hard-rock sound in an era dominated by disco. However, their youth and gender often led to dismissal from audiences and critics, who struggled to accept five young women singing about rebellion, partying, and sexuality. Their bold fashion choices, such as Currie’s stage lingerie and Jett’s iconic red leather jumpsuit, further set them apart from mainstream expectations.
Queens of Noise
The Runaways released their self-titled debut album in 1976. While it initially failed to gain traction commercially or critically, the song “Cherry Bomb,” co-written by Jett and Kim Fowley, emerged as a punk anthem. Their follow-up album, Queens of Noise (1977), included tracks like “Born to Be Bad” and “Neon Angels.” Although it didn’t perform well in the U.S., the band found success overseas, particularly in Japan, where they achieved three gold records.
As internal tensions grew, Currie and Fox departed in 1977, leaving Jett as the lead vocalist. Already a major creative force within the band, Jett took on greater responsibility, writing most of their songs. Despite their efforts, the band released two more albums before being dropped by their label. The Runaways disbanded in 1979. Reflecting on this period, Jett told Esquire: “When the Runaways broke up, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. A breakup is like losing a very good friend. It’s like a death.”
Solo Career
Following the breakup of The Runaways, Jett pursued a solo career. She traveled to England, collaborating with Paul Cook and Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols, before returning to Los Angeles. Back in the U.S., she produced the debut album for the punk band The Germs and tried her hand at acting in We’re All Crazy Now, a film loosely based on The Runaways’ story.
During this period, Jett met producer Kenny Laguna and songwriter Ritchie Cordell, who helped her create her first solo album.
Blackheart Records
Jett faced rejection from 23 record labels while trying to secure distribution for her debut solo effort. Frustrated but undeterred, she and Laguna founded Blackheart Records in 1980, making Jett the first female artist to own and run an independent record label. With support from The Who, who provided their recording facilities, Jett completed what would become her Bad Reputation album. She later told Rolling Stone: “We wouldn’t have been able to make the record if they hadn’t helped us. They basically let us record Bad Reputation and said, ‘Pay us when you can.’”
Blackheart Records would go on to become a platform for Jett’s music and a symbol of her enduring independence and resilience in the music industry.
Albums by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
Bad Reputation
Joan Jett’s journey to stardom began with Bad Reputation. Initially, Jett and her producer Kenny Laguna self-released the album, selling copies directly at her shows. The album was later picked up by Boardwalk Records for wider distribution. While its rock-pop sound didn’t immediately resonate with audiences, Jett’s determination never wavered. Her breakthrough came with the next album, I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll, which became a massive success. The title track soared to the top of the charts in early 1982. That year, she also found success with hit singles like her renditions of Tommy James’ “Crimson and Clover” and Gary Glitter’s “Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah).”
Album
In 1983, Jett released Album, building on her rising fame. Despite the momentum, it didn’t achieve the same success as its predecessor. However, it featured the Top 40 single “Fake Friends” and a cover of Sly and the Family Stone’s “Everyday People.” Her 1984 release, Glorious Results of a Misspent Youth, included a reimagining of “Cherry Bomb,” but it struggled to make an impact on the charts.
Up Your Alley
After experimenting with acting in the 1987 film Light of Day alongside Michael J. Fox, Jett returned to music. While the movie underperformed, she recorded its theme song, written by Bruce Springsteen. Jett made a triumphant return to the charts in 1988 with Up Your Alley, which included hits like “I Hate Myself for Loving You” and “Little Liar.”
The Hit List and Pure and Simple
In 1990, Jett released The Hit List, an album of cover songs featuring the minor hit “Dirty Deeds,” originally by AC/DC. Subsequent albums struggled commercially, but 1994’s Pure and Simple received critical acclaim. True to its name, Jett described her music as “pure and simple basic rock,” emphasizing her dedication to three-chord rock and roll.
In addition to her own music, Jett produced for several female-fronted rock bands, including Bikini Kill and L7, and collaborated with the surviving members of Seattle punk band The Gits as Evil Stig.
Fetish, Naked, and Sinner
The 1999 album Fetish combined older material with new tracks. After a hiatus, Jett released Naked in 2004 and followed it with 2006’s Sinner. Both albums were distributed through her own label, Blackheart Records. Sinner marked a shift in tone with “Riddles,” her first political song, critiquing the state of the country.
Unvarnished
In 2013, Jett released Unvarnished, which featured collaborations with artists like Dave Grohl. The album was well-received and showcased her continued relevance in rock music. Two years later, Jett was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing her legacy alongside icons like Lou Reed and Green Day.
Expanding Horizons
Continued Influence and Touring
Joan Jett’s music remains a staple in film and television, with appearances in projects like The Runaways biopic, Baby Mama, and Shrek. Jett continues to tour extensively, enjoying performing at fairs and festivals across the U.S. “I love playing fairs,” Jett has said. “You see families, lots of kids, and it’s great.” She also remains active in scouting and signing talent for Blackheart Records, fostering an environment where female artists feel empowered.
Film Contributions
Jett served as an executive producer for The Runaways, a film based on Cherie Currie’s memoir. She worked closely with Kristen Stewart, who portrayed her in the film, helping the actress master her accent and mannerisms.
Philanthropy and Activism
Jett devotes significant time to social causes, particularly animal rights. As an active supporter of Farm Sanctuary and a spokesperson for PETA, she advocates for ethical treatment of animals and aims to adopt a vegan lifestyle. Her advocacy occasionally sparks controversy, such as during the 2013 Thanksgiving Day Parade, when she was reassigned to a different float due to political objections.
Jett is also committed to supporting U.S. troops, participating in numerous USO and Armed Forces Entertainment tours. Reflecting on these experiences, she expressed deep admiration for the service members she met, calling them “selfless heroes.”
Legacy
From self-producing her early work to mentoring the next generation of musicians, Joan Jett remains an enduring symbol of resilience and innovation in rock music. Her contributions to the genre and commitment to activism have solidified her as a trailblazer who continues to inspire fans and artists alike.