logo
Joan Jett | Joan Jett Performing on Stage | Source: Getty Images
Joan Jett | Joan Jett Performing on Stage | Source: Getty Images

Joan Jett Persevered after 23 Rejections of Her First Solo Album - Facts about Her

Akhona Zungu
Sep 27, 2022
07:00 A.M.

Rock Legend Joan Jett is known for her perseverance and tenacity in her pursuit of a career once reserved for men. Jett is a talented vocalist and musician who has led two famous bands in her lifetime, and she continues to grace the limelight of the music scene with her black leather-ridden aesthetic.

Advertisement

Joan Jett established the Runaways in 1975, and after the group tragically dissolved, she became the frontwoman of the Blackhearts in 1981. The Blackhearts shot to fame in 1982 when they released the all-time classic "I Love Rock n Roll," which charted number two on Billboard and was eventually listed in the Grammy Hall of Fame.

However, Jett came from humble beginnings before fiercely pursuing her passion. The Blackhearts frontwoman worked as a waiter in a cafeteria where people were not always so kind. She also had a near-death experience when she was flying to perform for the troops in Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

Joan Jett poses at the 2021 A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Cure Parkinson's gala on October 23, 2021, in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Joan Jett poses at the 2021 A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Cure Parkinson's gala on October 23, 2021, in New York City | Source: Getty Images

It was after the horrors of 9/11, Jett recalled, as they flew when The Taliban fired a rocket at their plane. Jett braced for the missile to hit them, but there was no impact. They landed safely at their destination and lived to tell the story.

Advertisement

Story of Joan Jett

Originally named Joan Marie Larkin, Joan Jett took her first breath in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, on September 22, 1958. At 13 years old, she picked up her first guitar, which the former cafeteria waiter received as a Christmas present after asking for it.

Yet when the Runaways founder went for her first lesson, she was told that "girls couldn't play rock music." Despite the discouragement, Jett was determined to keep playing. After her family moved to West Covina, California, Jett began frequenting Rodney Bingenheimer's English Disco on Sunset Boulevard.

Joan Jett pictured during her performance at the Holiday Star Theater, Chicago, Illinois, March 27, 1985 | Source: Getty Images

Joan Jett pictured during her performance at the Holiday Star Theater, Chicago, Illinois, March 27, 1985 | Source: Getty Images

The musician switched up her style, inspired by another female rock artist Suzi Quatro, with a shag haircut, leather garments, and black winged eyeliner. Suzi Quatro inspired Jett more than just aesthetically and musically. As Jett explained, Quatro helped Jett realize that rock n roll didn't have to be gender-restrictive and said:

Advertisement

"I realized that if I wanted to do that, there were probably other girls like me who probably wanted to do it too."

Joan Jett and The Blackhearts pictured as they perform onstage during The Stadium Tour at Truist Park on June 16, 2022, in Atlanta | Source: Getty Images

Joan Jett and The Blackhearts pictured as they perform onstage during The Stadium Tour at Truist Park on June 16, 2022, in Atlanta | Source: Getty Images

During her visits to Rodney Bingenheimer's English Disco, Jett met the women who would later become members of her first band, the Runaways. Sandy West was the drummer, Lita Ford was their lead guitarist, their bassist was Jackie Fox, and the lead vocalist was Cherie Curie.

Producer Kim Fowley managed the Runaways and co-wrote most songs, such as their famous hit "Cherry Bomb," with Jett. Jett and her bandmates had a shared mission to take control of the sexist narrative that girls couldn't play rock n roll because of how explicit the aesthetic and lyricism was. Per Grunge, she explained:

Advertisement

"They meant that girls couldn't play rock 'n' roll because it implied sex, which means that they're in charge and owning it."

Joan Jett (center) pictured as she performs onstage at the Thirsty Whale bar during filming of the movie 'Light of Day' (directed by Paul Schrader) on  April 7, 1986 in Chicago | Source: Getty Images

Joan Jett (center) pictured as she performs onstage at the Thirsty Whale bar during filming of the movie 'Light of Day' (directed by Paul Schrader) on April 7, 1986 in Chicago | Source: Getty Images

Still, the Runaways suffered abuse from unwelcoming audiences while performing on stage, which led to frustrations and teary breakdowns for their founder. Magazine outlets were no better when they wrote about the band, headlining their stories with titles such as "Lissome Lolitas or Teenage Trash."

The outlets were adamant about focusing on their looks and behavior instead of their talent and music. Eventually, this strained the band, as Fowley also demonstrated that he didn't have the girls' interest at heart, according to interviews done by the former bandmates of the Runaways.

Advertisement

According to Grunge, the former manager would force the girls to pose suggestively in provocative clothing on stage during their performances. He would feed them drugs and ensure they had no money to do anything for themselves.

Advertisement

Moreover, Fowley didn't care about their health or well-being and often pinned them against each other. Fowley's behavior put more unwanted pressure on the Runaways. Eventually, Jackie Fox and Cherie Curie left the band; Vicki Blue replaced Fox, and Jett became the lead vocalist until their last show in San Fransisco in 1978.

Eventually, the Runaways disbanded. According to Grunge, Jett explained:

"I could feel a camaraderie between Sandy, Lita, and this producer, John Alcott, and I was not part of it. I'm not gonna get fired from the band I started ... so I should probably let you guys do your thing."

Advertisement

Jett drowned herself in alcohol after witnessing her band fall apart. She explained how angry and confused she was, especially over the world's rejection and constant effort to put her down. Still, backing down was not in the superstar's cards, so she trudged on.

Following the dissolution of the Runaways, she began recording a soundtrack that would be scored for the film "We're all Crazee Now." During that time, she met the man who would be her long-time friend, co-founder, producer, and manager, Kenny Laguna. Laguna was initially hesitant to manage Joan Jett.

However, the producer was impressed with her talent, even though several labels wouldn't take her on. Jett booked a flight to Europe, where she recorded her first solo self-titled album. After pitching it to 23 record labels, all of which rejected her, she decided to find a way to release it herself.

Actor Michael J Fox and Joan Jett perform onstage at the Thirsty Whale bar during filming of the movie 'Light of Day' | Source: Getty Images

Actor Michael J Fox and Joan Jett perform onstage at the Thirsty Whale bar during filming of the movie 'Light of Day' | Source: Getty Images

Advertisement

With the help and partnership of Kenny Laguna, the pair established Blackheart Records together and released Jett's album, the copies of which Laguna sold from his car boot. The producer recalled how he struggled to keep up with the demand. However, this was only after Jett suffered a heart infection that led to her hospitalization.

Thankfully, the rockstar survived. In 1981, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts released their debut album "I Love Rock n Roll," which catapulted the band's name to international heights. Jett shot a music video for the title track, which topped the Billboard charts for seven weeks and won the Billboard title of 56th All-Time Top Song.

The song, which was a cover of an Arrows track, also earned a spot in the Grammy Hall of Fame, and even magazine outlets had changed their tune in depicting the rock legend, from sexist headlines like "Teenage, Wild, and Braless" to "Joan Jett is a Very Nice Girl."

Advertisement

Following the success of "I Love Rock and Roll," the Blackhearts also released two more hit songs, such as her cover of "Crimson and Clover" and the Gary Glitter track "Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)," both love songs about a woman where she left the pronouns as they were.

'In My Room' Session with Joan Jett

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts have remained on the music scene for four decades. In 2020, Joan and her band, the Blackhearts, participated in the performance series hosted by Rolling Stone and Gibson to raise money for the Covid-19 Relief Fund initiated by the organization MusiCares.

Advertisement

It was a virtual at-home concert following the social distancing guidelines where the Blackhearts performed the song "I Hate Myself For Loving You" on different screens as each band member stayed home safe from exposure to the virus. Each "In My Room" session would be available for watching on the outlet's social media pages.

Joan Jett's Documentary

Joan Jett's documentary, "Bad Reputation," was released in September 2018. It chronicles Joan Jett's career - who appeared in the film "Light of Day" alongside Michael J Fox - from conception to well-earned acclaim.

The documentary also delved into her relationship with her long-time friend, manager, and co-founder Kenny Laguna and how they trudged through the music scene together. In Laguna's words, he brought the pop while Jett brought the menace.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Brenda Lee Tops Billboard Hot 100 at 79 Yet Leads a Regular Chore-Filled Life

December 12, 2023

John Travolta’s Late Wife Kelly Preston Didn’t Consider the Risks & Got Pregnant at 47 — Pics of Their ‘Miracle’ Boy Now

January 30, 2024

Mom Shares a Cute Family Video on Social Media, the Next Day the Police Knock on Her Door – Story of the Day

December 27, 2023

Joan Lunden Discussed Late Motherhood in Her 50s, Raising Two Sets of Twins, and Overcoming Cancer

January 17, 2024

Vince Neil's 4 Wives: More about Beth Lynn, Sharise Ruddel, Heidi Mark & Lia Gerardini

November 14, 2023

John Travolta’s Late Wife Kelly Risked Her Life to Carry Last Baby at 47 — Her ‘Miracle’ Baby Celebrates 13 Years

November 24, 2023

One of Elvis Presley’s Twin Granddaughters, Named after Him, Shows Herself at 15 with Blonde Hair & Makeup

December 18, 2023

Ricky Nelson's Twins Were Left with $26 – They Didn't Have 'The Rosy Life' Everyone Thought Following Dad's Sudden Death

December 31, 2023

‘Grinch Girl’ Started Working at 2, Lived ‘A Very Adult Life’ in Her Teens & Turned to Drugs after Producer Died

November 14, 2023

Presley Tanita Tucker Is Tanya Tucker's Daughter Who Is Also a Musician

November 28, 2023

Tina Turner's Death: Her 2nd Spouse Donated an Organ to Save Her Because He 'Didn't Want Another Woman'

February 13, 2024

Prince's Estate Battle Lasted 6 Years: Who Got His Millions Following the Court's Decision

November 10, 2023

Sharon Osbourne Holds Husband Ozzy’s Hand While They Walk in Photo as She Celebrates His Birthday

December 04, 2023

Truly Young: Dr. Dre's Daughter with Multiple Talents & Interests

November 27, 2023