Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

Biography

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1980 by Joan Jett, following her tenure with the pioneering all-female group The Runaways. After The Runaways disbanded in 1979, Jett faced repeated rejections from major labels but, undeterred, she teamed up with producer Kenny Laguna to independently release her debut solo album. This DIY approach led to the founding of Blackheart Records, one of the first artist-owned labels in rock, and set the stage for her next chapter.

With the formation of The Blackhearts, Jett assembled a band that would help define her signature sound: raw, energetic rock with punk undertones and a rebellious spirit. Their 1981 album 'I Love Rock 'n Roll' became a landmark release, with the title track dominating the charts and becoming an enduring anthem. Over the decades, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts have released numerous albums, with hits like 'Crimson and Clover,' 'I Hate Myself for Loving You,' and 'Bad Reputation,' earning gold and platinum certifications. Jett's influence as a trailblazing female rocker and her defiant, empowering image have made her a role model and icon in popular music.

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts' legacy is marked by their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015, recognition on Rolling Stone's list of greatest guitarists, and their ongoing impact on generations of musicians. Jett is often called the 'Godmother of Punk' and is celebrated for her activism, business acumen, and commitment to breaking barriers for women in rock.

Fun Facts

• Joan Jett & The Blackhearts' hit 'I Love Rock 'n Roll' was originally a B-side by the British band The Arrows before Jett made it famous.
• After being rejected by 23 record labels, Jett and Kenny Laguna started Blackheart Records using Laguna's daughter's college savings.
• Joan Jett made her film debut in the 1987 movie 'Light of Day' alongside Michael J. Fox.
• The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015, with the classic lineup reuniting for the occasion.

Members

• Sami Yaffa (from 2003)
• Joan Jett - eponymous
• Kenny Laguna
• Hal B. Selzer
• Kasim Sulton - additional
• Lee Crystal - drums (drum set)
• Thommy Price

Original Members

• Sami Yaffa

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Suzi Quatro - Jett has cited Suzi Quatro as a major influence, both musically and as a pioneering female rocker. (General influence on Jett's style and attitude) [1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Kenny Laguna - Producer, manager, co-founder of Blackheart Records, and long-term collaborator. (All Joan Jett & The Blackhearts albums, Blackheart Records) [1980–present]
• Ricky Byrd - Guitarist for The Blackhearts during their most successful period. ('I Love Rock 'n Roll', 'Album', 'Up Your Alley') [1981–1991, 2015 (Rock Hall induction)]
• Gary Ryan - Original bassist for The Blackhearts. ('I Love Rock 'n Roll', 'Album') [1980s]
• Lee Crystal - Drummer for The Blackhearts during the early 1980s. ('I Love Rock 'n Roll', 'Album') [1981–1986]

Artists Influenced

• Kathleen Hanna - Cited Jett as a major influence in shaping her feminist punk approach. (Bikini Kill, Le Tigre) [1990s–2000s]
• Green Day - Cited Jett's music and attitude as influential on their punk rock style. (General influence) [1990s–present]
• Miley Cyrus - Publicly acknowledged Jett as an inspiration and performed with her. (Live performances, covers) [2010s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. I Love Rock 'N Roll (I Love Rock 'N' Roll (Expanded Edition))
2. Bad Reputation (Bad Reputation (Expanded Edition))
3. I Hate Myself for Loving You (Up Your Alley)
4. Crimson and Clover (I Love Rock 'N' Roll (Expanded Edition))
5. Bad Karma (feat. Joan Jett) (Plastic Hearts)
6. Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah) (Bad Reputation (Expanded Edition))
7. Cherry Bomb (Glorious Results of a Misspent Youth (Expanded Edition))
8. Dirty Deeds (The Hit List)
9. You Don't Own Me (Bad Reputation (Expanded Edition))
10. I Love Rock 'N Roll (with Sex Pistols) (Flashback)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #album-rock, #arena-rock, #classic-rock