On this day March 20 1982 I Love Rock n Roll by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts hit number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 where it stayed for an impressive seven weeks until May 7. The song also topped the charts in Canada Netherlands Sweden Australia New Zealand and South Africa making it a global rock anthem.
Originally recorded by The Arrows in 1975 Joan Jett’s version turned the song into one of the most iconic rock hits of all time. Her powerful vocals and rebellious energy made it a defining moment in rock history and cemented her status as a music legend.
80s insight: Joan Jett first tried to record I Love Rock n Roll in 1979 with members of the Sex Pistols but the version she released with the Blackhearts became the classic we know today.