Joan Jett celebrates 68th birthday and musical legacy

American singer, guitarist, and songwriter Joan Jett is celebrating her 68th birthday. Born Joan Marie Larkin in 1958, she rose to prominence in the late 1970s as a member of the all-female rock band The Runaways.

Following the dissolution of The Runaways, Jett formed Joan Jett & The Blackhearts. Her career reached a major milestone in 1982 when her hit ‘I Love Rock 'n Roll’ spent seven weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. She also became a pioneer for female independence in the music industry by co-founding her own independent label, Blackheart Records.

Recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Jett’s influence extends to various punk and rock artists. Beyond music, she is a long-time vegetarian and supports animal welfare through her work with Farm Sanctuary.