Candid Photographs of Joan Jett of the Runaways in Los Angeles From the Late 1970s

The Runaways were an American rock band that recorded and performed in the second half of the 1970s. The band released four studio albums and one live set during its run. Among their best-known songs are “Cherry Bomb,” “Hollywood,” “Queens of Noise” and a cover version of the Velvet Underground’s “Rock & Roll.” The Runaways, though never a major success in the United States, became a sensation overseas, especially in Japan, thanks to the hit single “Cherry Bomb.”

Joan Jett went on to work with producer and former Shondell Kenny Laguna. After being rejected by 23 record labels, they formed their own label, Blackheart Records, in 1980. In doing so, Jett became one of the first female recording artists to found her own record label. The label continues to release albums by the Blackhearts, and also other new up and coming bands.

These amazing photographs were taken by Brad Elterman, who photographed Joan all over town and had the photos published in magazines all over the world. “Joan Jett was my greatest subject back in 1977. She had exactly what it took to be a brilliant pop star, striking looks, talent and most important incredible charisma.”

(Photos by Brad Elterman/BuzzFoto.com)