Summertime Blues

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as The Zoo Crew spins "Summertime Blues" by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts from their iconic album I Love Rock 'n' Roll. This track, a cover of Eddie Cochran's 1958 classic, was initially left off the original vinyl LP release in 1981. Instead, it found its way to radio stations as the B-side of a promo-only 12-inch single for "Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)." To the surprise of Boardwalk Records, DJs flipped the record, and "Summertime Blues" became a Most Added listing, proving its raw energy resonated with listeners. It was later released as a one-sided single in Canada and a 12-inch single in Australia, paired with the A-side track. The song's inclusion as a bonus track on the CD reissue of I Love Rock 'n' Roll and its feature on the 1993 compilation album Flashback cemented its place in Jett's legacy. Fans still rave about the gritty guitars and Jett's defiant vocals, with one Amazon reviewer calling it "excellent" and a highlight of the album's covers.

Another tidbit about "Summertime Blues" ties to the album's whirlwind production. Jett recalled in interviews that the band recorded during the week and gigged around the Northeast on weekends, keeping them sharp and cohesive. This relentless schedule infused the track with a live-wire intensity, capturing the band's punk-rock spirit. The song's success also reflects Jett's knack for reimagining classics, as seen with other covers like "Crimson and Clover" and "Nag" on the same album. When Joan Jett & The Blackhearts were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015, a 33 ⅓ Anniversary Edition of I Love Rock 'n' Roll was released, featuring unreleased 1981 live recordings from New York, further showcasing the band's electrifying stage presence that made tracks like "Summertime Blues" a fan favorite.

Joan Jett, born Joan Marie Larkin on September 22, 1958, in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, kicked off her musical journey with a guitar at age 13. Her early lessons fizzled when her instructor insisted on folk tunes, clashing with her rock 'n' roll dreams. Undeterred, she honed her skills and, at 15, co-founded The Runaways, an all-girl punk band that shook up the 1970s with hits like "Cherry Bomb." After the band split in 1979, Jett faced rejection from 23 record labels but teamed up with producer Kenny Laguna to form Blackheart Records. They sold her debut album out of Laguna’s Cadillac at gigs, a DIY hustle that birthed a punk-rock empire. With Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, formed in 1979, she blended glam, punk, and bubblegum pop, leading to the million-selling I Love Rock 'n' Roll. Jett’s trailblazing earned her the title "Godmother of Punk" and a spot on Rolling Stone’s greatest guitarists list.

Stay connected with Joan Jett & The Blackhearts through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest tour dates and merch drops. Fans can dive deeper at Blackheart Records for exclusive releases or join the Joan Jett and The Blackhearts Fan Club on Facebook to swap stories and rare finds. For Runaways nostalgists, The Runaways’ official site offers a glimpse into Jett’s roots. Whether you’re a longtime Zoo Freak or new to the scene, Jett’s music and rebel spirit keep the rock 'n' roll flame burning bright.