Joan Jett (b. 1958)

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Biography

Joan Jett is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, businesswoman, and actress. Often referred to as the "Godmother of Punk", she is regarded as a rock icon and an influential figure in popular rock music.

In Their Own Words (1)

Twenty years ago I thought: "What's the difference between eating a bloody steak and killing my dog, slitting him open and roasting him?" I've always loved animals but it was around the late 80s that I realised I had to go vegetarian. A lot of things converged in my life then – musically, emotionally – but mainly it was my love of animals and spending so much time touring that made me decide I had to change my diet. In the Runaways we used to eat a ton of junk food. So something had to give.

“What's in your basket, Joan Jett?”, in theguardian.com (18 July 2010). , 2010

Timeline

The story of Joan Jett, told in moments.

1958 Birth

Born Joan Marie Larkin in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. Got her first guitar at 14. The teacher tried folk songs. She wanted rock.

What made you reject folk songs for rock at 14? Did being born Joan Larkin feel like someone else's name? Was the guitar teacher's face worth remembering when you chose rock?

1975 Event

Co-founded the Runaways at 15. One of the first all-female rock bands. "Cherry Bomb" became their anthem. The industry didn't know what to do with teenage girls playing punk.

How did it feel to be dismissed for being a teenage girl in punk? Was Cherry Bomb defiance or autobiography? Did the industry's confusion about you feel like fuel?

1981 Event

"I Love Rock 'n' Roll" hit number one and stayed there seven weeks. Twenty-three record labels had rejected her solo album. She'd pressed the first copies herself.

How did it feel pressing your own records after 23 rejections? Did staying at number one for seven weeks prove them all wrong? What kept you going when every label said no?

2015 Event

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame after 15 years on the ballot.

Was 15 years on the ballot insulting or motivating? Did the Hall of Fame feel like vindication or just overdue? What would 15-year-old Joan say about making it in?

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