Joan Jett life and biography

Joan Jett is an American rock guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer and actress.

Joan Marie Larkin is best known for her work with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts including their hit cover "I Love Rock 'n' Roll", which was #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 from March 20 to May 1, 1982, as well as for their other popular recordings including "Crimson and Clover", "I Hate Myself for Loving You", "Do You Want to Touch Me", "Light of Day", "Love Is All Around", "Bad Reputation", and "Little Liar".

Her musical and songwriting approach is heavily influenced by the hard-edged, hard beat-driven rhythms common to many rock bands of her native Philadelphia, often featuring lyrics surrounding themes of lost love, criticisms of insincerity, the quest for authenticity, the struggles and resolutions of the American middle class. She has 3 albums that have been certified Platinum or Gold, and she has been referred to as the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll" many times during her career. In Venus Zine's 2010 "Queen of Rock" feature, Jett won the Readers' Pick in an online poll ahead of Stevie Nicks and Ann Wilson.

Joan Jett had become a hot commodity, with several Top 40 hits and sold out shows with The Police, Queen and Aerosmith. In addition, Jett was selected in 1987 out to appear opposite Michael J. Fox in the movie, Light of Day, in which she received critical acclaim. She has also appeared in indie films and television, including a guest appearance on the sitcom, Ellen. In 2000, she appeared in the Broadway production of The Rocky Horror Show.

In the late 1980's, the Blackhearts went on to release Flashback, a compilation of her career, on their own label. In the 90's, Joan started producing bands, such as Circus Lupus and Bikini Kill. She also worked with the punk band, The Gits. In 2005, Joan discovered The Vacancies, a group that opened for headliners Joan Jett and the Blackhearts at the label's 25th anniversary show.
Jett released a new album, Sinner, on her own label in 2006. Joan and the Blackhearts continue to perform nationwide, including opening eight shows for Aerosmith in 2007.

Jett's music became popular fodder for movies and television as well. Bad Reputation was used as the theme song for the TV series, Freaks and Geeks and American Chopper, and in such movies as Shrek and 10 Things I Hate About You.

Jett's hit single, I Love Rock n Roll, is now #28 on Billboard's list of songs of all time. It has been a playable track of the video game, Guitar Hero. The Microsoft Xbox 360 version of Guitar Hero II features an achievement called the "Joan & Lita Award" in tribute to Joan and Lita Ford.

Discography:

Studio albums as Joan Jett:

Joan Jett (1980)
Bad Reputation (1981)

Studio albums (With the Blackhearts):

I Love Rock 'n' Roll (1981)
Album (1983)
Glorious Results of a Misspent Youth (1984)
Good Music (1986)
Up Your Alley (1988)
Notorious (1991)
Pure and Simple (1994)
Sinner (2006)

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