Joan Jett, born Joan Marie Larkin on September 22, 1958, in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, is an American rock singer, guitarist, songwriter, record producer, and actress.
Known as the “Godmother of Punk” and the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” she has carved out a legendary status in the music industry with her raw energy, rebellious spirit, and trailblazing presence in a male-dominated field.
Jett rose to fame as a teenager with the all-female punk rock band The Runaways in the 1970s before launching a successful solo career and fronting Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.
Her fierce persona, signature black leather style, and anthemic hits have made her a cultural icon, inspiring generations of musicians, particularly women.
Siblings
Joan is the eldest of three siblings, born to James Francis Larkin, an insurance salesman, and Dorothy Jett Larkin, a secretary.
Her younger brother, James Albert Larkin, and younger sister, Anne Elizabeth Larkin, grew up alongside her in a Protestant household that attended church regularly but was not strictly religious.
James and Anne have largely remained out of the spotlight, with no notable public profiles or documented involvement in the entertainment industry.
Career
Jett’s musical journey began at age 13 when she received her first guitar, sparking a passion for rock music influenced by artists like Suzi Quatro, David Bowie, and The Sex Pistols.
After moving to California, she co-founded The Runaways in 1975 at age 15 with drummer Sandy West.
The band, known for hits like “Cherry Bomb,” gained international fame, particularly in Japan and Europe, but faced sexist criticism and limited success in the U.S.
After The Runaways disbanded in 1979, Jett pursued a solo career, facing rejection from 23 major labels before co-founding Blackheart Records with producer Kenny Laguna.
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This independent label released her debut album, Bad Reputation, in 1980, showcasing her defiant attitude.
In 1979, Jett formed Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, with whom she achieved global success.
Their 1981 album, I Love Rock ‘n Roll, featured the title track—a cover of The Arrows’ song—that topped the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks, becoming Billboard’s No. 56 song of all time and earning a 2016 Grammy Hall of Fame induction.
Other hits like “Crimson and Clover” and “I Hate Myself for Loving You” solidified her stardom.
Jett’s career spans 14 studio albums, 44 singles, and sellout tours with bands like The Police and Aerosmith.
Beyond music, she acted in films like Light of Day (1987), playing a musician alongside Michael J. Fox, and appeared in Broadway’s The Rocky Horror Show.
Jett also produced albums for punk bands like The Vacancies and hosted a radio show, Joan Jett’s Radio Revolution, on Sirius Satellite Radio from 2005 to 2008.
Accolades
Jett’s contributions to music have earned her numerous honors. In 2015, she and the Blackhearts—consisting of Jett, Kenny Laguna, Gary Ryan, Lee Crystal, and Ricky Byrd—were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing their influence on rock music.
Rolling Stone named her the 87th greatest guitarist of all time in 2003, one of only two women on the list alongside Joni Mitchell, and included her again in 2023.
Her signature Gibson Melody Maker guitar, launched in 2008, marked the first Gibson electric signature model designed with a female artist.
Songs like “Bad Reputation” and “Cherry Bomb” rank among VH1’s 100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs, at #29 and #52, respectively.
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