# Joan Jett

> American rock musician

**Wikidata**: [Q231106](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q231106)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_Jett)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/joan-jett

## Summary
Joan Jett is an American rock musician, singer, songwriter, guitarist, actor, and record producer, best known as a pioneering figure in rock music and a founding member of the influential all-female rock band The Runaways. With a career spanning over five decades, she has become an icon of punk and rock, celebrated for her raw musical style, rebellious persona, and enduring influence on female musicians worldwide.

## Biography
- **Born**: September 22, 1958, in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, United States
- **Nationality**: American
- **Education**: Attended William Penn High School (now William Penn Senior High School) in York, Pennsylvania
- **Known for**: Co-founding The Runaways, her solo career with hits like "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" and "Bad Reputation," and her role in shaping punk and rock music
- **Employer(s)**: The Runaways, Blackheart Records (founder), Epic Records, MCA Records, Warner Music Group
- **Field(s)**: Music (rock, punk, hard rock), acting, record production

## Contributions
Joan Jett has made significant contributions to music and popular culture through her work as a musician, songwriter, and producer:

**Music Career**
- Co-founded **The Runaways** in 1975, one of the first all-female rock bands, which achieved critical acclaim and influenced generations of female musicians.
- Released her debut solo album *Joan Jett* in 1980, followed by the breakthrough album *I Love Rock 'n' Roll* in 1981, which included the titular hit single that topped the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks.
- Founded **Blackheart Records** in 1980, an independent record label that has released music by artists like Bikini Kill and The Germs, empowering artists to maintain creative control.
- Produced and released numerous albums, including *Bad Reputation* (1980), *Album* (1983), and *Up Your Alley* (1988), which featured hits like "I Hate Myself for Loving You."
- Collaborated with artists across genres, including Miley Cyrus, who cited Jett as a major influence and performed with her on multiple occasions.

**Acting and Media Appearances**
- Appeared in films such as *Light of Day* (1987), where she starred alongside Michael J. Fox and contributed to the soundtrack.
- Made guest appearances on television shows and documentaries, further cementing her status as a cultural icon.

**Record Production and Industry Influence**
- Worked as a record producer, overseeing projects for artists signed to Blackheart Records and contributing to the independent music scene.
- Advocated for artists' rights and creative freedom, using her platform to challenge industry norms and support emerging talent.

## FAQs

**What is Joan Jett best known for?**
Joan Jett is best known for her groundbreaking work as a rock musician, particularly as a co-founder of The Runaways and for her solo hits like "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" and "Bad Reputation." She is also recognized for founding Blackheart Records, an independent label that has empowered artists to retain creative control.

**What bands has Joan Jett been a part of?**
Joan Jett co-founded The Runaways in 1975, an all-female rock band that gained critical acclaim. She later formed Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, with whom she achieved commercial success in the 1980s.

**What record labels has Joan Jett worked with?**
Joan Jett has worked with several major record labels, including Epic Records, MCA Records, and Warner Music Group. She also founded her own independent label, Blackheart Records, in 1980.

**What are some of Joan Jett's biggest hits?**
Some of Joan Jett's biggest hits include "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" (1981), "Bad Reputation" (1980), and "I Hate Myself for Loving You" (1988). These songs have become anthems of rock and punk music.

**What is Blackheart Records?**
Blackheart Records is an independent record label founded by Joan Jett in 1980. The label has been instrumental in promoting artists who seek creative freedom and has released music by influential bands like Bikini Kill and The Germs.

**How has Joan Jett influenced other musicians?**
Joan Jett has influenced countless musicians, particularly female artists, by breaking barriers in the male-dominated rock industry. Artists like Miley Cyrus, who has collaborated with Jett, have cited her as a major inspiration.

## Why They Matter
Joan Jett matters as a trailblazer who redefined the role of women in rock music. Her work with The Runaways and her solo career challenged gender norms in the music industry, paving the way for future generations of female musicians. Her founding of Blackheart Records demonstrated her commitment to artistic independence and empowerment, influencing the broader music industry. Without her, the landscape of rock and punk music would lack a crucial voice of rebellion and authenticity.

## Notable For
- **Pioneering Role**: Co-founding The Runaways, one of the first all-female rock bands.
- **Chart-Topping Hits**: Achieving a No. 1 single with "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" (1981).
- **Independent Label**: Founding Blackheart Records in 1980, empowering artists to maintain creative control.
- **Cultural Icon**: Becoming a symbol of rebellion and authenticity in rock music.
- **Influence on Female Musicians**: Inspiring generations of women to pursue careers in rock and punk.
- **Acting Career**: Starring in films like *Light of Day* (1987) and contributing to soundtracks.
- **Record Production**: Producing music for artists signed to Blackheart Records.
- **Collaborations**: Working with artists like Miley Cyrus, who has cited Jett as a major influence.

## Body

### Early Life and Background
Joan Jett was born Joan Marie Larkin on September 22, 1958, in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. She developed an early interest in music, particularly rock and roll, and began playing the guitar as a teenager. Her family moved to California, where she attended William Penn High School and became immersed in the local music scene.

### Music Career and Breakthrough
Joan Jett's music career began in earnest when she co-founded **The Runaways** in 1975. The band, which included members like Cherie Currie and Lita Ford, gained critical acclaim for their raw, energetic sound and rebellious persona. The Runaways released several albums, including *The Runaways* (1976) and *Queens of Noise* (1977), which became influential in the punk and rock genres.

After The Runaways disbanded in 1979, Jett embarked on a solo career. She released her debut solo album, *Joan Jett*, in 1980, followed by the breakthrough album *I Love Rock 'n' Roll* in 1981. The title track became a massive hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks and solidifying her status as a rock icon. She continued to release successful albums, including *Bad Reputation* (1980), *Album* (1983), and *Up Your Alley* (1988), which featured hits like "I Hate Myself for Loving You."

### Founding Blackheart Records
In 1980, Joan Jett founded **Blackheart Records**, an independent record label that has become a cornerstone of her legacy. The label was created to provide artists with creative freedom and control over their music. Blackheart Records has released music by influential bands like Bikini Kill and The Germs, further cementing Jett's role as a champion of independent music.

### Acting and Media Appearances
Joan Jett has also made a name for herself in acting and media. She starred in the film *Light of Day* (1987) alongside Michael J. Fox and contributed to the soundtrack, showcasing her versatility as a performer. She has made guest appearances on television shows and documentaries, further solidifying her status as a cultural icon.

### Record Production and Industry Influence
In addition to her work as a musician, Joan Jett has worked as a record producer, overseeing projects for artists signed to Blackheart Records. Her advocacy for artists' rights and creative freedom has challenged industry norms and supported emerging talent, making her a respected figure in the music industry.

### Collaborations and Influence
Joan Jett has collaborated with numerous artists across genres, including Miley Cyrus, who has cited Jett as a major influence. Cyrus has performed with Jett on multiple occasions, highlighting the enduring impact of Jett's music and persona on younger generations of musicians.

### Legacy and Impact
Joan Jett's influence on rock and punk music is profound. She has inspired countless musicians, particularly female artists, by breaking barriers in the male-dominated rock industry. Her founding of Blackheart Records demonstrated her commitment to artistic independence and empowerment, influencing the broader music industry. Her legacy as a trailblazer and cultural icon endures, ensuring her continued influence in the entertainment industry.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. datos.bne.es
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. MusicBrainz
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. Internet Broadway Database
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. [Joan Jett - MusicBrainz](https://musicbrainz.org/artist/f376828a-b438-4fda-bb2e-dcd5fbe81f83#sidebar)
10. BBC Things
11. AllMusic
12. [Source](http://iswcnet.cisac.org)
13. ISWC Network
14. Discogs
15. Google Knowledge Graph
16. Genius API
17. The Movie Database
18. Golden
19. [85311365. Virtual International Authority File](https://viaf.org/viaf/85311365/#GraphContentOpen)
20. YouTube API
21. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/joan-jett-107ZzpwVVx/appearances)
22. [Joan Jett (@joanjett) • Instagram photos and videos](https://www.instagram.com/joanjett/#mount_0_0_SE)