Rock and Roll icon Joan Jett (1958–) was born Joan Larkin in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With her signature black leather and fearless attitude, she broke barriers as a pioneering woman in music. At just 15, she co-founded the all-female band the Runaways, becoming the creative force behind their raw and rebellious sound.

In 1979, she formed the Blackhearts and blazed into mainstream fame with the 1981 anthem I Love Rock 'n Roll, which topped the charts for seven weeks and sold over 14 million copies. “It was a really special record at a really special time,” she reflected. “Not many people get to have a record that's number one for two months.”

Sexy, defiant, and utterly original, Jett inspired generations with her passionate performances and gritty lyrics. “I think my strength is being an underdog,” she said. “The fans love an underdog. I'm just so grateful... that I can do what I want in life.”

In 1987, she starred alongside Michael J. Fox in the film Light of Day, singing the title track written by Bruce Springsteen. She later took on the role of Columbia in a live stage version of Rocky Horror Picture Show and continued to tour with the Blackhearts, igniting audiences with every show.

“I've been able to live out my fantasies and dreams,” she said. “So, I'm real lucky.”

Joan Jett didn’t just pick up an instrument—she picked up a revolution. She turned volume into voice, and six strings into a battle cry. And she does it with pure heart.