Musicheads Essential Artist: Joan Jett
February 25, 2021
Born Joan Marie Larkin on September 22, 1958, she would later reinvent herself as Joan Jett.
Joan got her first guitar at the age of 14. After taking one lesson she quit, as the instructor insisted on teaching her folk songs only. Eventually, Joan's family moved to California, where she found her place to hang. That was Rodney Bingenheimer's English Disco, which catered to the glam rock style that she loved.
Joan was a founding member of the Runaways. The Runaways disbanded in 1979, just in time for Joan to produce the punk band the Germs' one and only album.
In 1980, she formed the Blackhearts and would have countless hits, including "I Love Rock and Roll," "Bad Reputation," "I Hate Myself for Loving You," as well as a bunch of Jett-ified covers of her favorite songs.
In April 2014, Joan fronted the remaining members of Nirvana for their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Joan's personal life has been discreet but much talked about.
When asked, "Are you gay? Are you bisexual?" Joan always responded, "Anyone who wants to know who I am can just read my lyrics. I want people to focus on the music and if they want to know who I am, I write about it every day. So don't be lazy. Read the lyrics. Figure it out for yourself."