Nominee for 2012 Induction

 

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts created a consistent and potent mix of hard rock, glam, punk, metal and garage rock that sounds fresh and relevant in any era. Their biggest hit, “I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll” (#1 in 1982) is a rock classic – as pure and simple a statement about the music’s power as “Roll Over Beethoven.”  “It’s a feeling thing, it’s emotion. You don’t think about it. If you start thinking rock ‘n’ roll, you’re f**ked. That’s when you’re homogenized. That’s when it’s boring. And that’s when it’s bullshit,” said Jett. From her days as a founding member of the all-female Runaways, Jett has made loud, hook-laden records that convey toughness and fun. Sporting black leather and a shag to create a sexy and androgynous look, Jett took over a role formerly reserved for male rockers. She formed the Blackhearts in 1982 and their classic four-piece sound muscled past the synthesizer sound that dominated the 1980s. Three of their albums—I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll, Album and Up Your Alley – reached the Top 20, behind songs written by Jett and manager Kenny Laguna.  The band’s cover versions, from songs by Gary Glitter to Tommy James, were key to their success – they made connections between every era of rock and roll. They toured incessantly and can always be counted on for a powerhouse live show. In the 1990s, Jett’s no-nonsense attitude and guitar sound was a major influence on the riot grrrl movement, and she went on to produce Bikini Kill and record with L7. Her success inspired renewed interest in the Runaways, who were dismissed in their day as a gimmick. She was the executive producer for a feature film on the band, the Runaways, in 2010.