Joan Jett & The Blackhearts: The Architects of American Rock 'n' Roll

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts are an American rock band whose defiant sound and attitude became a cornerstone of the genre. Their 1982 album I Love Rock 'n' Roll topped the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks and was certified platinum, cementing Jett's status as a rock icon.

Early career

Joan Jett's musical journey began in the mid-1970s as a founding member of the all-female punk band The Runaways. After that band dissolved in 1979, Jett faced industry rejection but persevered, recording a solo album that featured future Blackhearts. This DIY effort, initially rejected by 23 labels, was later released as Bad Reputation in 1980.

Breakthrough

The band's mainstream explosion came in 1981 with the release of I Love Rock 'n' Roll on Boardwalk Records. The title track, a cover of a 1975 song by The Arrows, became a global phenomenon, driving the album to multi-platinum status and making Joan Jett a household name.

Key tracks

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

Bad Reputation — The title track from Jett's solo debut became a rebellious statement of intent and a fan favorite.

I Hate Myself for Loving You — A later hit from 1988's Up Your Alley, it reached the Top 10 and showcased their enduring rock power.

Crimson and Clover — Their rocked-out cover of the Tommy James and the Shondells classic became another major hit, reaching number seven.

Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah) — This bold cover of a Gary Glitter song further demonstrated their ability to reclaim and rockify any track.

Throughout the 1980s and beyond, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts maintained a relentless touring schedule and released a steady stream of albums like Album (1983) and Glorious Results of a Misspent Youth (1984). Jett also expanded her influence through collaborations, co-writing and producing songs for bands like The Germs, and appearing in film and television. The band's legacy was formally recognized with their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.

Fans of Joan Jett & The Blackhearts' raw, rebellious rock sound often appreciate the work of similar American artists. The Runaways features Jett's formative punk-rock roots. The Donnas carry forward a similar spirit of catchy, high-energy garage rock. The Pretenders blend rock with new wave and pop sensibilities behind a powerful female frontperson. L7 shares a gritty, feminist punk and hard rock attitude that defined a generation.

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts remain a staple on classic rock FM stations and alternative rock radio stations worldwide. Their catalog of hits guarantees regular rotation, keeping their timeless rock 'n' roll energy alive on the airwaves for both dedicated fans and new listeners.

You can hear the powerful anthems of Joan Jett & The Blackhearts on rock radio stations featured on our website. Discover their music and listen to their legendary tracks through the variety of online rock radio streams available on onairium.com.