11th Studio Album by 'Godmother of Punk' Turns 20
Rock icon Joan Jett is absolutely influential in music and widely regarded by many to be the "Godmother of Punk." On June 13th, 2006, Jett released her 11th studio album with her band, The Blackhearts, Sinner.Sinner was their first studio album with new material to be released in the United States since 1994, and even included Jett's first blatant political song, "Riddles."
Much of the material on Sinner was originally used on Jett's record, Naked, released solely in Japan two years prior. To support the release of Sinner, Jett and The Blackhearts participated in the 2006 Warped Tour and toured that same year with Eagles of Death Metal.
Reviews of the album were generally positive and it was well-received. Slant complimented the nostalgia of it saying, "the album is still a great reminder that Jett, uncompromising as ever, absolutely still has that edge."
On top of being the solidified "Godmother of Punk," Jett is also considered and credited as the "Original Riot Girl" and even the "Queen of Rock & Roll" by many. Her icon status is in part because she has consistently broken gender norms and been unapologetically herself in the male-dominated punk world. Jett is also a pioneer of the independent artist movement, having established Blackheart Records in 1980 after facing rejection from most labels while trying to get her debut album produced.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts are most recognized for their 1981 album and single of the same name, I Love Rock & Roll. The single spent 7 weeks at number on the Billboard charts, and is ranked 56 on Billboard's best singles of all time. In 2016, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Jett herself has many accolades as an artist herself. In 2014, she was the first woman to win the Golden God Award. In 2015, herself and her band were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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This story was originally published June 13, 2026 at 3:41 PM.