Joan Jett Makes a Lasting Impression on One Fan's Heart -- Picture Book

Each week, in Picture Book, we present an iconic photo from rock 'n' roll's past or present, accompanied with insightful commentary. Whether it's a famous picture or an unearthed rarity, these striking images will serve to illustrate the visual side of music.

Joan Jett, Philadelphia, March 1978

A 19-year-old Joan Jett signs a fan's chest during a stop to promote 'Live From Japan,' by her band the Runaways. While the teenage Runaways never really caught on in the US -- 'Live From Japan' wasn't even released stateside -- the hard-rocking all-girl band was a huge hit in Japan and Australia.

A year after this photo was taken, however, the Runaways broke up, finishing with more promise than hits. Two years later, Jett scored a No. 1 hit in the US and Canada (and No. 4 in the UK) with 'I Love Rock 'n' Roll,' a tune she'd seen a band called the Arrows perform on British television in 1976. The rest of the Runaways, who were touring Europe with her at the time, didn't like the song and had rejected Jett's suggestion that they cover it.