Joan Jett

Joan Marie Jett was born September 22nd 1958 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, growing up in the suburbs. As a child, Joan wanted to be an astronaut. As she grew older, she thought about being in show business or starting her own band. She never imagined herself in A band, she wanted to START a band. At age 12, Joan and her family moved to California.

Some of her earlier influences were all about classic rock, heavy metal, and punk. Among these were Led Zepplin, Black Sabbath, Humble Pie, and T.Rex. At the same time, other influences Joan had were more glitter, such as Grand Funk, and David Bowie. For Christmas when she was 15, her parents got Joan a guitar. Joan's parents always encouraged her to be whatever she wanted.

That year in 1971, Joan Jett started her first band, an all girl band called 'The Runaways'. At this time, Joan was a student at Covina High. It's not that she didn't care about school, yet she never graduated. Joan also wasn't great at math. She was better with other subjects.

Being in an all girl rock 'n' roll band, people didn't always respect them. Rumors were already starting by the first time the band preformed. Joan would baby-sit for extra money. One mother that Joan baby-sat for told her that if the child was misbehaving Joan had permission to, well, whap the kid. The next headline was ALL about how the Runaways were abusive. There were many reasons the Runaways broke up, but that headline was the real hit that even put breaking up into consideration.

The next band she started was "Joan Jett and the Blackhearts". Instead of an all girl band, it was an all boy band (except for Joan of course). Being an all guy band made it easier to be accepted by more than just a few fans. Some of the songs the Blackhearts are known for are 'I Love Rock 'n' Roll','Bad Reputation','I Hate Myself for Lovin You' and 'Crimson and Clover'. The Blackhearts and the Runaways are the reason Joan fulfilled her dream. She is very talented, but she couldn't have made it this far without them.

Joan's eyes are brown and she is 5'5". Her favourite colours are black, red and purple. She almost loves passion fruit juice and melons as much a she loves baseball. Her favourite season is summer, when her favourite team, the Baltimore Orioles play. Joan is currently driving a Jaguar XJS and her favourite actress is Liza Minnelli.

Joan Jett is a hero because she has been named greatest female electric guitarist of all time. She is a great role model for young female artists, and perhaps those to become. She also cares a lot about the environment. "I rarely ever turn on the lights," she states. "I practically live in the dark. I am a vegetarian and I'm also a big recycling freak."