Joan Jett is probably best known as the uncompromising female rocker responsible for the hit single “I Love Rock N’ Roll”, a tune which is considered by Billboard to be the No.28 Song of all Time.
Her career began while she was still a teenager, when she co-founded The Runaways in 1975, who capitalised on their jailbait image to sell large quantities of their five albums released between 1976 and 1979.
Her next venture was The Blackhearts, but although the band quickly built a sound reputation as live artists, it proved so difficult to find a record deal, that Jett eventually set up her own label, Blackheart Records. The release of “I Love Rock N’ Roll” propelled sales of their third album to platinum selling quantities, a feat they only achieved once more with Up Your Alley (1988). Joan Jett and the Blackhearts have since enjoyed significant success and are far from being the one hit wonder that some suggest. The band continue to perform to delighted fans and are often cited as an influence by riot grrrl bands keen to emulate the success of the girl rocker from a previous generation.
