Joan Jett, born Joan Marie Larkin in 1958, first rose to fame as a founding member of the pioneering all-female rock band the Runaways in the mid-1970s. After leaving the group, she formed Joan Jett & the Blackhearts in 1979 and quickly became a defining voice in punk rock and early feminist rock rebellion.

The band became best known for their 1981 gold-certified cover of The Arrows’ “I Love Rock ’n Roll,” a No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hit that became their signature anthem. Their breakthrough album, I Love Rock ’n Roll also featured hits like “Crimson and Clover” and “I Hate Myself for Loving You,” both of which reinforced Joan’s reputation for gritty vocals, rebellious attitude and powerful stage presence.