Joan Jett

Joan Jett
Jett smiling toward the camera
Jett in 2013
Background information
Birth nameJoan Marie Larkin
Born (1958-09-22) September 22, 1958 (age 66)
Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, U.S.
OriginLos Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Musician
  • singer
  • songwriter
  • record producer
  • actress
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
Years active1975–present
Member ofJoan Jett and the Blackhearts
Formerly of
Websitejoanjett.com

Joan Jett (born Joan Marie Larkin; September 22, 1958)[1] is an American musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. Often referred to as the "Godmother of Punk",[2] she is best known as the frontwoman of her band Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.[3] She also co-founded and performed with the Runaways.

Three of her albums have been certified platinum or gold.[4][5][6] With the Runaways, their single "Cherry Bomb" appeared on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart. With the Blackhearts, "Bad Reputation" appeared on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart, and her rendition of the song "I Love Rock 'n Roll" topped the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks in 1982.[7] Other songs that have appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 include "Fake Friends", "Good Music", "Light of Day", "Little Liar", "I Hate Myself for Loving You", and her renditions of "Crimson and Clover", "Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)", "Dirty Deeds", and "Everyday People".[8]

Jett has a mezzo-soprano vocal range.[9] Outside of music, she headlined the film Light of Day (1987) and has appeared in several television series. She is also recognized for her activism.

  1. ^ Fricke, David (April 24, 2015). "Joan Jett: Built to Rock". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on November 21, 2017. Retrieved December 3, 2015.
  2. ^ R. Fulton (September 5, 2010). "Joan Jett can see similarities with biopic alter ego Kristen Stewart as she advises Twilight star on dealing with fame". Daily Record. Scotland. Archived from the original on December 23, 2010. Retrieved March 4, 2011.
  3. ^ McDonald, Soraya (December 16, 2014). "Joan Jett, Bill Withers, Lou Reed and Green Day among those to join Rock and Roll Hall of Fame". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on December 17, 2014. Retrieved August 23, 2018.
  4. ^ Martin, Bill (2002). Pro Secrets of Heavy Rock Singing. Sanctuary Publishing. p. 9. ISBN 978-1-86074-437-2.
  5. ^ "10 great feminist anthems". Time Out New York. Archived from the original on November 22, 2013. Retrieved June 16, 2013.
  6. ^ "What the Press is Saying". Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. Retrieved June 16, 2013.
  7. ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Joan Jett". All Music Guide via VH1. Archived from the original on October 30, 2002. Retrieved October 18, 2011.
  8. ^ "Joan Jett & the Blackhearts | Biography, Music & News". Billboard. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  9. ^ "Summer Celebration review: Joan Jett". MLive.com. June 26, 2009. Retrieved April 18, 2014.