Joan Jett: ‘There Should Be More Women’ In The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame

This Wednesday, some long-overdue news was announced, and that was that Joan Jett & The Blackhearts would be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Miley Cyrus will present the award.

A brief note on that choice of presenters to clear up confusion for those that think Miley Cyrus may have been a misprint. Upon being questioned on the choice of having a pop star present the award to Ms. Jett, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame President and CEO Greg Harris took the opportunity to explain that Joan Jett and Ms. Cyrus are not unknown to one another. Miley joined Joan on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2011 and the two played a set of Joan Jett’s songs together for the audience.

“It was interesting to learn that they are mutual admirers,” said Mr. Harris. “They’re great friends and admirers.”

Rock and roll has always been a primarily male-dominated genre and some, including Joan herself, have recognized that this is another area in our society that needs more gender equality. That said, there has been a great many phenomenal female artists contributing to rock and roll and Ms. Jett would like to see them recognized for their achievements.

“There should be more women in the Hall of Fame, and more women in rock. They’re out there, they just don’t get the notice the pop girls do. Go to any city and there’s an all-girl rock band — it’s just a matter of society wanting to hear that kind of music. But people’s tastes change, so you have to just do what you love and hope other people love it too.”

Ms. Jett will receive her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 18, but it took a very long time for her to get to a place where she could receive that kind of recognition. Joan recalls trying to get her first solo deal, following the break-up of The Runaways, and being rejected at every door. In those early days, Jett remembers having to defend her gender to everyone in the music industry and, at times, even to would-be fans. Joan recalls sending the same four songs to each of the record labels she approached (“I Love Rock ‘N Roll,” “Crimson and Clover,” “Do You Wanna Touch Me,” and “Bad Reputation”) and receiving rejections from every one of those labels. Interestingly, each of those songs became hits.

“If I could go back and give my 15-year-old self some advice, I’d say to document what you go through,” Joan Jett added. “The Runaways have few photos or video. I don’t think teenagers think that far ahead. I didn’t think about the future or ‘When will I retire?’ I still haven’t thought about that. Other people keep going, so obviously I can.”

Ms. Jett can be seen in concert with her band, when Joan Jett & The Blackhearts appear as special guests with The Who Hits 50 Tour.