Question 1

Does Joan Jett write her own songs?

Accepted Answer

She has a credit on 116 of the 158 tracks across thirteen albums, but only 16 of those have nobody else on them. Kenny Laguna, her manager and producer since 1980, shares 68. Her two most famous recordings, "I Love Rock 'n Roll" and "Crimson and Clover", are both covers.

Question 2

Who wrote "I Love Rock 'n Roll"?

Accepted Answer

Alan Merrill and Jake Hooker of the Arrows, who recorded it in 1975. Jett's version spent seven weeks at number 1 on the Hot 100 and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2016.

Question 3

Who wrote "Bad Reputation"?

Accepted Answer

Jett with Kenny Laguna, Ritchie Cordell and Marty Kupersmith. It is the title track of her 1980 debut.

Question 4

Who is Kenny Laguna?

Accepted Answer

Her producer and manager since 1980, and her co-writer on 68 album tracks. No other collaborator is close.

Question 5

How many albums have they made?

Accepted Answer

Thirteen studio albums between 1980 and 2022, including the Japan-only Naked and the acoustic Changeup. The Runaways records, live albums and compilations sit outside this catalogue.

Question 6

Which album has no Jett songs on it?

Accepted Answer

The Hit List, from 1990, which is ten covers of AC/DC, the Sex Pistols, the Kinks, ZZ Top, Jimi Hendrix and others.

Question 7

Who else has written with her?

Accepted Answer

Kathleen Hanna of Bikini Kill on 14 tracks, guitarist Ricky Byrd on 13, Desmond Child on 11 and Jim Vallance on 11.

Question 8

Which single did best in America?

Accepted Answer

"I Love Rock 'n Roll" reached number 1, "Crimson and Clover" number 7 and "I Hate Myself for Loving You" number 8.

Question 9

Are they in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts were inducted in 2015.

Question 10

Has she won a Grammy?

Accepted Answer

No. "I Hate Myself for Loving You" brought a nomination for Best Rock Performance, and "I Love Rock 'n Roll" was later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.