Joan Jett | |
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Jett, 2013
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Background information | |
Birth name | Joan Marie Larkin |
Born |
Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
September 22, 1958
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Years active | 1975–present |
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Website | joanjett |
Notable instruments | |
Gibson Melody Maker |
Joan Jett & the Blackhearts | |
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Joan Jett & the Blackhearts performing live in Sacramento, California, 2012
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Background information | |
Genres | |
Years active | 1979–present |
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Joan Marie Larkin (born September 22, 1958) known professionally as Joan Jett, is an American rock singer, songwriter, composer, musician, record producer and occasional actress.
She is best known for her work with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, preceded by success with the Runaways, including their hit song "Cherry Bomb". The Blackhearts' record "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" was No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 from March 20 to May 1, 1982. Their other popular recordings include "Crimson and Clover", "I Hate Myself for Loving You", "Do You Wanna Touch Me", "Light of Day", "Love Is All Around" and "Bad Reputation".
Jett has a mezzo-soprano vocal range. She has three albums that have been certified Platinum or Gold, and has been a feminist icon throughout her career. She has been described as the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll. She is also known as the Godmother of Punk. In 2015, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Joan Marie Larkin was born September 22, 1958, at Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. (According to some sources, she was born on September 22, 1960). She is the oldest of three children. Her father sold insurance; her mother was a secretary. Her family were Protestant and attended church, but were not particularly religious. In 1967, her family moved to Rockville, Maryland, where she attended Randolph Junior High and Wheaton High School. Jett got her first guitar at the age of 14. She took some guitar lessons, but soon quit because the instructor kept trying to teach her folk songs. Her family then moved to West Covina, California, in Los Angeles County, providing Jett the opportunity to pursue her musical endeavors.