Jett in 2013, photo by Prphotos.com
Birth Name: Joan Marie Larkin
Place of Birth: Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Date of Birth: September 22, 1958
Ethnicity: Irish, as well as English and Scottish
Joan Jett is an American rock singer, songwriter, composer, musician, record producer, and actress. She is a member of rock group Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, and was a founding member of rock group The Runaways. Cherie Currie and Michael Steele were also members of The Runaways.
Joan is the daughter of Dorothy and James Larkin. Joan has stated:
My father was Irish, and I believe he came from County Mayo. [I] Want to explore that a little bit more when I have the time…
Joan stated that she also has Scottish and English ancestry.
In an article in The Irish Times, Joan was compared to the concept of “black Irish” (Irish people with dark hair). Her friend, Kenny Laguna, stated in the same article that there are a “ton of Duffys in her family.”
Joan’s paternal grandfather was Michael Joseph Larkin (the son of Michael Larkin and Maria Flaherty). Joan’s grandfather Michael was born in Claremorris, Mayo, Ireland.
Joan’s paternal grandmother was Helen “Nellie” Duffy (the daughter of Michael Duffy and Mary/Maria Kenny). Helen was born in Knockbrack, Kilkelly, Mayo, Ireland. Michael was the son of Martin Duffy and Mary Clark.
Sources: Information about Joan’s roots – http://joanjettbadrep.com
Joan’s grandparents – http://www.oasisblues.com
Joan’s father on the 1940 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Joan’s paternal grandparents, Michael J. Larkin and Helen V. Duffy, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
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