Joan Jett and the Blackhearts: American Rock 'n' Roll Rebels

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts are an American rock band that forged a permanent legacy by blending punk energy with classic rock and roll hooks. Fronted by the iconic Joan Jett, the band achieved monumental commercial success, most notably with their diamond-certified album I Love Rock 'n' Roll.

Early career

Joan Jett first gained attention in the mid-1970s as a founding member of the all-female punk band The Runaways. After that group disbanded in 1979, Jett pursued a solo career, recording her self-titled debut album in 1980 with help from members of The Sex Pistols. Facing rejection from multiple major labels, she co-founded Blackheart Records with her manager Kenny Laguna, a pioneering move for artist independence.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 1981 with their second album, I Love Rock 'n' Roll. The title track, a cover of a song by The Arrows, became a cultural phenomenon. It spent seven weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1982, propelling the album to sell over ten million copies in the U.S. alone, earning a Diamond certification from the RIAA.

Key tracks

I Love Rock 'n' Roll — This definitive anthem became a global number-one smash and the band's signature song.

Bad Reputation — The title track from her 1980 solo album became a rallying cry of defiant independence and a rock radio staple.

Crimson and Clover — Their rocked-out cover of the Tommy James and the Shondells classic became a top-ten hit in 1982.

I Hate Myself for Loving You — This hard-rocking single from 1988's Up Your Alley album returned the band to the top ten.

Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah) — Another successful cover, this Gary Glitter song became a concert favorite and radio hit.

Throughout the 1980s, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts maintained a steady output of hit albums, including Album (1983) and Glorious Results of a Misspent Youth (1984). Jett's collaborations have been wide-ranging, from working with members of The Gits to co-writing and performing with The Replacements' Paul Westerberg on the song "Let's Do It" for the Tank Girl soundtrack. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.

Fans of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts often gravitate towards the raw energy of The Runaways, Jett's influential first band which pioneered women in hard rock. The punk-infused rock and roll of Green Day shares a similar direct, anthemic quality and mainstream success. The gritty, rebellious spirit of The Distillers carries on the tradition of fierce, punk-rooted rock fronted by powerful women. Listeners may also appreciate the classic rock swagger of AC/DC, whose straightforward, riff-driven approach parallels the Blackhearts' sound.

The music of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts remains a fixture on classic rock FM stations and alternative rock radio stations, where their timeless hits are celebrated for their raw power and enduring appeal. Their catalog is also frequently featured on online rock radio streams and independent music radio stations that champion rock's foundational acts.

Listeners can discover the powerful discography of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts by tuning into the classic rock and alternative radio stations featured on our website. Explore the stations available on onairium.com to hear the anthems that cemented this band's legendary status in rock history.