Fun Fact
Joan Jett’s cover of “I Love Rock ‘n Roll” was the first song by a female artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart for seven consecutive weeks. This record stood for nearly nine years, until it was broken by Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” in 1992. This is a fun fact because it shows how groundbreaking Joan Jett was as a female rock musician. She was able to achieve commercial success and critical acclaim in a genre that was still dominated by men at the time. Her cover of “I Love Rock ‘n Roll” is a powerful anthem of female empowerment, and it helped to pave the way for other female rockers to succeed.
About the Artist
Joan Jett, born Joan Marie Larkin on September 22, 1958, in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, is a pioneering rock ‘n’ roll icon and a trailblazing force in the music industry. With a career spanning over four decades, Joan Jett has shattered gender barriers and reshaped the rock landscape. Her journey began as a founding member of the trailblazing all-female rock band The Runaways in the 1970s, and it was there that she first showcased her fierce determination and talent. Later, with her band The Blackhearts, she catapulted to global fame with hits like “I Love Rock ‘N Roll.”
About the Song
Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock ‘n Roll” is one of the most iconic songs of all time. It’s a timeless anthem of female empowerment and rock ‘n roll rebellion that has resonated with generations of fans.
The song was originally written and recorded by British band The Arrows in 1975, but it was Jett’s cover version that became the smash hit in 1982. Jett’s version is more aggressive and guitar-driven, and her vocals are full of raw power and emotion.
The song’s lyrics are about a woman who is confident, independent, and passionate about rock ‘n roll. She’s not afraid to be herself, and she’s not going to let anyone tell her what to do.
The chorus of the song is a powerful declaration of love for rock ‘n roll:
I love rock ‘n’ roll So put another dime in the jukebox, baby I love rock ‘n’ roll So come and take your time and dance with me
The song’s music video is also iconic. It features Jett and her band The Blackhearts performing the song in a sweaty, crowded club. Jett is dressed in her signature black leather jacket and ripped jeans, and she’s belting out the lyrics with all her might.
“I Love Rock ‘n Roll” was a groundbreaking song for its time. It challenged traditional gender roles and showed that women could be just as rock ‘n roll as men. The song also helped to pave the way for other female rockers like Pat Benatar, Lita Ford, and Chrissie Hynde.
