Biography
Who is Joan Jett?
Early life and real name
Joan Marie Larkin was born on September 22, 1958, in Philadelphia, United States. Her parents were James and Dorothy Larkin, and she grew up as the oldest of three children. Her father worked as an insurance salesman while her mother was a secretary.
During her childhood, the family moved to Rockville, Maryland, where she attended Wheaton High School. She received her first guitar at the age of thirteen. Later, her family relocated to California, where her parents divorced and she decided to change her name to Joan Jett for a more fitting rock star persona.
The Runaways and early career
At age sixteen, Joan Jett became a founding member of the rock band the Runaways alongside drummer Sandy West. The group eventually included Lita Ford, Cherie Currie, and Jackie Fox, creating a classic lineup that toured extensively around the world.
The band released several studio albums and found significant success abroad, particularly in Japan. After the group disbanded in the spring of 1979, Joan pursued a solo career and spent time working in England with musicians before returning to the United States.
Blackhearts and major hits
After facing rejection from multiple major record labels with her debut solo project, Joan Jett teamed up with record producer Kenny Laguna to establish Blackheart Records. She then formed her backing band, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, to record and release new music independently.
Their album I Love Rock 'n Roll was released in 1981 and reached No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. The title track, which was a cover version of a song by the band Arrows, topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became her signature song worldwide.
Awards and acting
Joan Jett has released numerous studio albums throughout her career, earning gold and platinum certifications for works such as Album and Up Your Alley. Her 1988 single I Hate Myself for Loving You earned her a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rock Performance.
Outside of her music career, Joan has appeared in television series and starred alongside Michael J. Fox in the musical drama film Light of Day. In 2015, she and the Blackhearts were officially inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Birthday and age
Joan Jett was born on September 22, 1958, which makes Joan 68 years old today. That birthday falls under the Virgo sign. Joan shares the date with 62 other famous people.
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