You know that feeling when a song starts with a drum beat so simple it’s almost primal, followed by a guitar riff that sounds like a chainsaw cutting through silk? That’s the opening of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts I Love Rock n Roll. It’s the ultimate jukebox anthem. Honestly, it’s one of those tracks that feels like it has existed since the beginning of time. But the story behind how it became a massive hit is actually full of weird coincidences, massive rejections, and a little bit of petty revenge against the Rolling Stones.
Most people assume Joan Jett wrote it. She didn't.
The Arrows and the "Apologetic" Rolling Stones
The song was originally written and performed by a band called The Arrows in 1975. Alan Merrill, the lead singer, wrote it because he was annoyed with Mick Jagger. Specifically, he was reacting to the Rolling Stones' song "It’s Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It)." To Merrill, that title sounded like the Stones were apologizing for their music—basically saying, "Hey, it’s just rock 'n roll, don't take us too seriously."
Merrill wanted a song that said the opposite. He wanted to shout, "I love rock 'n roll!" with zero irony.
He wrote the track with bandmate Jake Hooker, and while it was a decent glam-rock tune, it flopped. It was a B-side. It went nowhere. But then, in 1976, a teenage Joan Jett was touring England with her first band, The Runaways. She saw The Arrows perform the song on their weekly UK TV show. She was obsessed immediately. She told her bandmates they had to cover it.
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They said no.
23 Rejections and a Cadillac Trunk
The Runaways passed on the song because they had already covered a different song called "Rock and Roll" by The Velvet Underground. They didn't want to be "that band" that only did songs about rock 'n roll.
Joan didn't forget it, though.
After The Runaways imploded in 1979, Joan tried to record the song with two members of the Sex Pistols—Steve Jones and Paul Cook. It was a rough, punky version released as a B-side in the UK, but it still didn't catch fire. It wasn't until she moved to New York, met producer Kenny Laguna, and formed The Blackhearts that the magic finally happened.
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Here’s the part that kills me: even with her talent, the music industry didn't want her.
Joan Jett and Kenny Laguna were rejected by 23 different record labels. Think about that. Nearly two dozen "experts" heard her music and decided she wasn't worth the risk. So, they did it themselves. They started Blackheart Records—the first female-owned indie label—using Laguna's daughter's college savings. They literally sold copies of Joan’s first album out of the trunk of Laguna’s Cadillac after shows.
The 1982 Explosion
When they finally re-recorded Joan Jett and the Blackhearts I Love Rock n Roll for the 1981 album of the same name, they changed the perspective. In the original Arrows version, it’s a guy watching a girl by the jukebox. In Joan’s version, she’s the one making the move.
The recording sessions at Kingdom Sound on Long Island were intense. The band was gigging all weekend and recording during the week. That "live" energy is why the song sounds so raw. It’s not polished; it’s sharp.
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- Chart Domination: The song hit Number One on the Billboard Hot 100 on March 20, 1982.
- The Streak: It stayed there for seven weeks straight.
- The Look: The black-and-white music video became an MTV staple. Rumor has it they shot it in color, but Joan hated the way her red leather outfit looked, so they flipped it to black and white. It was the right call. The grittiness fits the vibe perfectly.
Why it Still Matters
This song isn't just about a catchy chorus. It represents a moment where the "boys' club" of rock 'n roll was forced to let a woman lead the pack. Joan Jett wasn't trying to be "pretty" or "approachable." She was snarling. She was wearing leather. She was playing a Gibson Melody Maker and owning the stage.
It’s also a masterclass in simplicity. The song is built on three chords. It’s got a clap-along beat that anyone can follow. It’s the definition of "power pop" meeting "punk rock."
People still argue about the lyrics—the whole "he must have been about seventeen" line. When Joan recorded it, she was only 23 herself, so the age gap wasn't exactly scandalous, but it definitely added to her "bad girl" image.
Actionable Takeaways for Rock Fans
If you want to appreciate this track beyond just hearing it on the radio, here is what you should do:
- Listen to the 1979 version: Find the recording Joan did with the Sex Pistols. It’s faster, messier, and shows the punk roots of the hit.
- Watch the Arrows original: Go to YouTube and find the 1975 Arrows performance. You’ll see exactly what Joan saw that night in London.
- Check out the B-sides: The I Love Rock n Roll album has some gems like "Love Is Pain" and her cover of "Crimson and Clover." It’s a solid rock record from front to back.
- Support Indie Labels: Remember that this song exists because Joan refused to take "no" for an answer from 23 labels. When you buy merch or vinyl directly from independent artists, you’re keeping that "trunk of the Cadillac" spirit alive.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts didn't just cover a song; they claimed it. Even though Alan Merrill wrote it, it’s Joan’s song now. That’s the power of a perfect performance.
To truly understand the impact of this era, go back and watch the original black-and-white music video and pay attention to the way Joan interacts with the camera—it’s a masterclass in rock stardom.