Joan Jett and the Blackhearts: The Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll and Her Rebel Army
I. Joan Jett Before the Blackhearts
Before founding the Blackhearts, Joan Jett made her mark as a guitarist and vocalist in The Runaways, the pioneering all-female hard rock band formed in 1975 with Cherie Currie, Lita Ford, and Sandy West.
The Runaways were raw, aggressive, and unapologetically loud, with songs like:
- “Cherry Bomb”
- “Queens of Noise”
After the band’s breakup in 1979, Jett went solo but faced widespread industry rejection — over 20 labels turned her down. She responded by founding her own label, Blackheart Records, with collaborator and producer Kenny Laguna.
II. Formation of the Blackhearts (1980)
In 1980, Jett assembled the Blackhearts, solidifying a band with a no-frills rock and roll sound rooted in punk, glam, and garage rock.
Classic lineup included:
- Joan Jett – Lead vocals, rhythm guitar
- Gary Ryan – Bass
- Lee Crystal – Drums
- Ricky Byrd – Lead guitar
The band quickly became known for their tight, high-energy performances and Jett’s defiant image — leather, eyeliner, and no compromise.
III. Breakthrough Success: I Love Rock ‘n Roll (1981)
✦ I Love Rock ‘n Roll (1981)
Their second album, and Jett’s first with the full band, catapulted them into rock stardom.
Key tracks:
- “I Love Rock ‘n Roll” – A cover of an Arrows song that spent 7 weeks at #1 on the U.S. charts
- “Crimson and Clover” – A dreamy yet muscular version of the Tommy James hit
- “Nag” and “Bits and Pieces” – Retro rockers with a punk edge
The album cemented Jett’s image as a rock rebel who honored the past while defining the future.
IV. Continued Hits and MTV Era (1983–1988)
✦ Album (1983)
- “Fake Friends” – A scathing anthem about disloyalty
- “Everyday People” (Sly Stone cover)
✦ Glorious Results of a Misspent Youth (1984)
- “I Need Someone”
- “Cherry Bomb” – Revisiting her Runaways days
Her music videos were staples of early MTV, showcasing a feminine take on rebellion that was tough without apology.
V. Career Longevity and Cult Heroine Status (1990s–Present)
While mainstream hits slowed, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts maintained a fiercely loyal following, touring relentlessly and continuing to release albums.
✦ Up Your Alley (1988)
- “I Hate Myself for Loving You” – A Top 10 hit with a blistering guitar solo by Mick Taylor of the Rolling Stones
- Gritty, glam-infused hard rock that remains a concert staple
✦ Pure and Simple (1994)
A politically charged, riot grrrl-adjacent release.
In the 2000s and 2010s, Jett’s status as a punk godmother and feminist icon only grew.
✦ Unvarnished (2013)
Her most personal album to date, with tracks like:
- “Any Weather”
- “Soulmates to Strangers”
Jett also collaborated with Green Day, Peaches, Miley Cyrus, and Dave Grohl, always remaining culturally relevant.
VI. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Recognition
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015 — a long-overdue honor.
Other accolades:
- MTV Pioneer Award
- Trailblazer recognition from feminist and LGBTQ+ groups
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2022)
- Subject of the 2018 documentary Bad Reputation
VII. Legacy and Influence
Joan Jett is known as:
- One of the first women to lead a successful hard rock band
- A DIY legend with her own label
- A major influence on female rockers and bands like Hole, Bikini Kill, Garbage, Paramore, and The Donnas
Her blend of punk, glam, garage rock, and feminism set a template for generations.
VIII. Interesting Facts
- “I Love Rock ‘n Roll” was initially recorded on a whim and nearly went unreleased.
- Joan Jett turned down a role in Thelma & Louise to focus on touring.
- She served as executive producer on The Runaways (2010), starring Kristen Stewart as Jett.
- Blackheart Records remains one of the longest-running independent labels founded by a woman.
