An anthem of rebellion and pure rock 'n' roll spirit, this video cemented Joan Jett's status as an undeniable icon.
The Song
"I Love Rock 'n Roll" was originally penned by Alan Merrill and Jake Hooker of the British glam rock band The Arrows and released as a B-side in 1975. Joan Jett first encountered the song watching The Arrows perform it on their UK television series in 1976 while touring with The Runaways. Though she wanted her band to cover it, they ultimately passed.
After The Runaways disbanded, Jett recorded a version in 1979 with Steve Jones and Paul Cook of the Sex Pistols, also released as a B-side. The definitive version, with The Blackhearts, was recorded in 1981 and produced by Kenny Laguna and Ritchie Cordell, appearing on the album of the same name. Jett's rendition famously shifted the lyrics to feature her as the assertive pursuer, transforming it into an anthem of female empowerment.
The Artist
Joan Jett, born Joan Marie Larkin, first rose to prominence as a founding member, guitarist, and backing vocalist of the pioneering all-female punk-rock band The Runaways in the 1970s. After the band's breakup in 1979, Jett embarked on a solo career, relocating to New York and collaborating with producer Kenny Laguna.
Despite facing rejection from numerous major labels for her debut solo album, Jett and Laguna independently released Joan Jett (later reissued as Bad Reputation) on their own Blackheart Records label. With Laguna's assistance, Jett then formed The Blackhearts in 1979, recruiting Gary Ryan on bass, Eric Ambel (later replaced by Ricky Byrd) on guitar, and Lee Crystal on drums, setting the stage for their breakthrough.
Chart Performance
Joan Jett and The Blackhearts' version of "I Love Rock 'n Roll" was a monumental commercial success. The single was released on January 20, 1982. It rocketed to number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it remained for an impressive seven consecutive weeks.
The accompanying album, also titled I Love Rock 'n Roll, peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 and has sold over a million copies. The single also achieved significant international success, topping the charts in Canada and the Netherlands, and reaching number four in the UK. It was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), selling over two million copies in the United States.
Cultural Impact
"I Love Rock 'n Roll" became Joan Jett's signature song and a defining anthem of the 1980s, propelling her and The Blackhearts to global stardom. The black-and-white music video received heavy rotation on the fledgling MTV, playing a crucial role in establishing Jett's tough, rebellious image and setting her apart from more conventionally feminine female artists of the era.
Her unyielding authenticity and unapologetic rock 'n' roll attitude helped redefine gender boundaries in music, making her a vital figurehead and an inspiration for generations of female rockers. In recognition of its enduring significance, Jett's version of the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2016.
Fun Facts
- The iconic music video was originally shot in color, but Jett disliked the look of her red leather jumpsuit on film and insisted it be converted to black and white, giving it its gritty, timeless aesthetic.
- The bar featured in the video was called Privates, located at Lexington Avenue and East 85th Street in Manhattan, New York City; it is now a Starbucks.
- A brief snippet of Jett's earlier hit, "Bad Reputation," can be heard at the very beginning of the video.
- Jett's manager and co-producer, Kenny Laguna, played a crucial role in her solo career, helping her form The Blackhearts and independently release her music when major labels showed no interest.
- The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Britney Spears in 2002, whose version was featured in her film Crossroads.