Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts is an American rock group from Los Angeles, formed in 1979 and active from 1980 onwards. The band begins as a collaboration between Joan Jett, as lead singer, musician and songwriter, and producer Kenny Laguna. Over time it goes through many lineup changes, with Jett and Laguna as the only consistent members.

Formation and early work

The project grows out of Jett’s work on a film project connected to The Runaways. Although the film is not completed, Jett and Laguna continue working together. After Jett’s self-titled solo album is rejected by several major labels, the Blackhearts are formed with Laguna’s help. An advert for band members brings together an early lineup including guitarist Eric Ambel, bassist Gary Ryan and drummer Danny "Furious" O’Brien. Early shows take place at venues such as the Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles and the Marquee in London. After touring in Europe, O’Brien is replaced by Lee Crystal.

Recording career and commercial success

The band tours and distributes recordings independently before signing with Boardwalk Records, which reissues Jett’s earlier material as Bad Reputation. A 1981 performance at the Palladium in New York City is widely seen as a turning point in the band’s rise. The breakthrough comes with I Love Rock 'n Roll, which includes a cover of the Arrows’ song of the same name. The single reaches number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for seven consecutive weeks in 1982.

The group later releases Album (1983) and Glorious Results of a Misspent Youth (1984), and continues with further albums including Good Music, Up Your Alley, Notorious, Pure and Simple, Naked, Sinner, Unvarnished, Changeup and Mindsets. Three of the band’s albums are certified gold or platinum. The band’s singles include “Bad Reputation”, “Fake Friends”, “Good Music”, “Light of Day”, “Little Liar” and “I Hate Myself for Loving You”, as well as cover versions such as “Crimson and Clover”, “Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)”, “Dirty Deeds”, “Everyday People” and “I Love Rock 'n Roll”.

Touring, soundtracks and later years

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts tour internationally and appear at major events and festivals. They tour with artists including The Police, Queen and Aerosmith. The band also contributes to film soundtracks, including “Long Live the Night” for Days of Thunder. “I Hate Myself for Loving You” from Up Your Alley reaches the Billboard Top 10 and is later used in edited form as a theme for NFL Sunday Night Football broadcasts.

Recognition

In 2015, a lineup featuring Joan Jett, Kenny Laguna, bassist Gary Ryan, drummer Lee Crystal and guitarist Ricky Byrd is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Lee Crystal dies in 2013. The group remains active and continues to record and tour.