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Joan Jett

Joan Jett is an American rock singer, guitarist, songwriter, and producer best known for her work with the Runaways and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Joan Jett is an American rock singer, guitarist, songwriter, and producer best known for her work with the Runaways and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. Born Joan Marie Larkin in 1958, she became known for her stripped-down rock style and for helping open space for women in rock music.

Early life

Joan Marie Larkin was born on September 22, 1958, in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, and later grew up in the Los Angeles area.

The Runaways

Jett first rose to prominence in the 1970s as a member of the all-female punk rock band the Runaways. The band is noted for its place in punk and hard rock history.

Solo career and Blackhearts

She later formed Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, the band most closely associated with her solo career. Her best-known songs include "I Love Rock 'n Roll," "Bad Reputation," and "I Hate Myself for Loving You." She founded Blackheart Records and has also worked as a producer.

Influence and legacy

Jett is regarded as a trailblazer for women in rock music and has influenced later musicians. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Blackhearts in 2015.

Key facts

  • Joan Jett is an American rock singer, guitarist, songwriter, and producer.
  • She first gained fame in the 1970s with the all-female punk rock band the Runaways.
  • She later formed Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, known for songs like "I Love Rock 'n Roll" and "Bad Reputation."
  • Jett founded Blackheart Records and is a producer.
  • She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.
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Canadian context

Joan Jett has had broad influence on rock fans and musicians in Canada, especially through classic rock radio, punk and hard rock scenes, and her role as a model for women in music.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Joan Jett?
Joan Jett is an American rock singer, guitarist, songwriter, and producer known for the Runaways and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts.
What is Joan Jett best known for?
She is best known for "I Love Rock 'n Roll" and for her work as a pioneering woman in rock music.
When was Joan Jett born?
She was born on September 22, 1958.
Where was Joan Jett born?
She was born in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, in the United States.
What band was Joan Jett in before her solo career?
She was a member of the all-female punk rock band the Runaways.
Has Joan Jett been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Yes. She was inducted with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts in 2015.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_Jett
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, genres, occupations, and general biographical details.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Joan-Jett
    Supports: Birth date and place, role in the Runaways, and significance as a trailblazer in rock music.
  3. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/musicians/joan-jett
    Supports: Runaways background, Blackheart Records, and influence in rock music.
  4. AllMusic — https://www.allmusic.com/artist/joan-jett-mn0000137173
    Supports: Career overview, stylistic description, and discography context.