Joan Jett & the Blackhearts

USA, 1979–now

American band formed in 1979 by Joan Jett after the Runaways, playing direct, riff-based rock and roll on 'I Love Rock 'n' Roll' and 'Bad Reputation'.

MusicRoots documents 5 artists who influenced Joan Jett & the Blackhearts and 1 artist Joan Jett & the Blackhearts influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Joan Jett & the Blackhearts?

• The Rolling Stones — Jett taught herself guitar from Rolling Stones records — their tough, sinewy beat and image are at the heart of her rock'n'roll.
• New York Dolls — Seeing the New York Dolls was a formative early concert for Jett — their glam-punk trash is in her sound.
• Black Sabbath — Black Sabbath was among Jett's first rock concerts, feeding the heavy edge of her rock'n'roll.
• Jimi Hendrix — One of the three records Jett taught herself guitar from.
• The Who — One of the three records Jett taught herself guitar from.

Which artists did Joan Jett & the Blackhearts influence?

• P!nk — The swagger, brought forward twenty years — a woman fronting a rock band and daring the room to object.