Joan Jett—now there’s a name that truly defines rock ‘n’ roll rebellion. Over the course of more than three decades, Joan Jett has stood tall as a pioneering force for women in rock, carving out a bold and electrifying path with her raw, glam-fueled sound. From timeless anthems like “I Love Rock ‘n Roll” and “Bad Reputation” to the emotionally charged “I Hate Myself for Loving You,” Joan Jett didn’t just make music—she made history. It all started in the mid-1970s when she picked up the bass as a teenager in the Runaways, a groundbreaking girl-powered glam band masterminded by the controversial Kim Fowley. Their explosive debut “Cherry Bomb” became an instant classic, putting Joan Jett on the map as someone who refused to play by the rules.
When the Runaways disbanded in 1980, Joan Jett didn’t slow down—she doubled down. She released a self-titled solo album on her own label, Blackheart Records, a move that not only showcased her entrepreneurial spirit but also caught the attention of Neil Bogart’s Boardwalk Records. And from there, Joan Jett’s influence only grew. She channeled her love for 1960s garage punk and 1970s glitter rock into a string of infectious hits, including her iconic cover of Gary Glitter’s “Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)” and the legendary “I Love Rock ‘n Roll,” which cemented her status as a rock icon.
Sure, the pop charts weren’t always kind in the mid-1980s, but Joan Jett kept pushing forward. She even stepped into the spotlight as an actress, earning praise for her role in Paul Schrader’s Light of Day (1987), where she delivered both a powerful performance and a Top 40 hit with Bruce Springsteen’s title track. Then came the 1990s, when Joan Jett roared back with the slick, hard-hitting single “I Hate Myself for Loving You”—a song that reminded everyone why they loved her in the first place. Beyond her own music, Joan Jett became a mentor and muse to the riot grrrl movement, lending her voice and support through collaborations with edgy alt-rock bands like Bikini Kill and the Gits.
At her core, Joan Jett has always been about authenticity, independence, and the unshakable power of three-chord rock. Her relentless passion and refusal to conform have inspired generations of musicians. And in 2014, the world gave her the recognition she long deserved—Joan Jett was finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. For anyone who’s ever turned up the volume and shouted along to a Joan Jett anthem, it was a moment that felt not just earned, but absolutely essential. Because let’s face it: when you talk about trailblazers in rock, Joan Jett isn’t just part of the conversation—she is the conversation.
When it comes to Joan Jett’s career in film and music, there are definitely some standout moments—and a few that didn’t quite hit the mark. One of the most praised works associated with Joan Jett is Suzi Q from 2019, which many fans and critics consider her highest-rated project to date. The documentary not only highlights rock history but also gives Joan Jett a platform to reflect on her influence and legacy. On the other hand, going back a bit further, Southie (1998) tends to be viewed as one of her less successful ventures, earning lower ratings overall. While Joan Jett brings her signature energy even to roles like this, it just didn’t resonate as strongly with audiences. Still, Joan Jett continues to be a powerful figure, and even her lesser-known projects contribute to the broader story of her impact.