Joan Jett

Joan Jett, widely recognized as the "Godmother of Punk," has been a transformative figure in rock music. As a teenager, she co-founded the band the Runaways, making her mark in the music scene from 1975 to 1979. After the group's disbandment, Jett embarked on a solo career, releasing her debut album, later reissued as "Bad Reputation." She later formed Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and their album "I Love Rock 'n Roll" achieved immense success, its title track topping charts worldwide. Jett has also ventured into the film industry, appearing in "Light of Day" and numerous television series. In recognition of her significant contributions to rock music, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.

Beyond performance, Jett has leveraged her musical prowess in producing albums for other artists, including "(GI)" by the Germs. Her influence extends into television and sports, with her song "I Hate Myself for Loving You" being used as the theme song for Sunday Night Football NFL games in the 2006 and 2007 seasons. In addition to her musical pursuits, Jett is known for her advocacy work, particularly in animal rights, and has been a supporter of organizations like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). She has also been involved in efforts to combat gun violence, being the first to sign Billboard magazine's Open Letter on Gun Violence in 2016.

Joan Jett's enduring influence in rock music is further exemplified by her repeated recognition by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest guitarists. Her signature guitar, a white Gibson Melody Maker, has become iconic in the music scene since she began using it in 1977. To commemorate the 40th anniversaries of her first two albums, "Bad Reputation" and "I Love Rock & Roll," two graphic novels featuring stories by female writers and artists were released in 2021. As a testament to her enduring influence, Gibson has released a series of Joan Jett signature guitars, and Mattel released a Joan Jett Barbie doll in 2009.