Joan Jett

Joan Jett is an American rock singer, songwriter, and guitarist who became one of the most influential women in rock and roll history. Born Joan Marie Larkin in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, she co-founded the pioneering all-female rock band The Runaways at the age of 15 in 1975. The band gained a significant following in Japan and influenced the punk and new wave scenes before disbanding in 1979.

After The Runaways split, Jett launched her solo career and formed Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. After being rejected by over 20 record labels, she co-founded Blackheart Records with Kenny Laguna in 1980, making it one of the first independent record labels founded by a female musician. Her 1981 cover of The Arrows’ “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” became a massive hit, spending seven weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and selling over 10 million copies worldwide. Other hits including “Bad Reputation,” “Crimson and Clover,” and “I Hate Myself for Loving You” cemented her status as a rock icon.

Jett has remained active throughout her career, consistently touring and recording new music. She produced the debut album for the Germs and has collaborated with numerous artists across genres. Her song “Bad Reputation” became the theme for the TV series “Freaks and Geeks” and has been widely used in film and television. In 2015, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a recognition of her lasting impact on rock music.

Beyond music, Jett is a committed activist for animal rights and various social causes. Blackheart Records continues to operate as a successful independent label. Her net worth of approximately $10 million reflects her decades of touring, record sales, publishing royalties, and her ownership stake in Blackheart Records. She remains one of the most respected figures in rock music.