Lita Ford biography

Synopsis

Early Life

British-born, American rock musician. Carmelita Rossana Ford (known as Lita) was born on September 19, 1958, to a British father and an Italian mother in London, England. When Ford was four, her family emigrated to the United States, eventually settling in Los Angeles. She began playing guitar at the age of 11, and joined her first band as a teenager.

At age 16, Ford auditioned for a part in the all-girl rock band, The Runaways. Produced by Kim Fowley, The Runaways was a mix of teenage sex appeal and punk rock. Guitarist and vocalist Joan Jett and drummer Sandy West were impressed by Ford’s talent, and made her the group’s lead guitarist. The Runaway’s lead singer was Cherie Currie, and Jackie Fox played the bass. The band released their debut album in 1976, to the confusion and criticism of the rock world. Many critics considered them stereotypical “wild girls.” Despite this, the mere existence of an all-girl metal band was groundbreaking, and the group was successful in Japan.

Born on September 19, 1958, in London, England, Ford learned to play guitar around the age of 10 or 11. She joined her first band as a teenager, performing at local parties in Long Beach, California. In 1975, Ford auditioned for what would become the all-girl rock band The Runaways. She impressed guitarist and vocalist Joan Jett and drummer Sandy West with her musical skills, and they made her the group's lead guitarist. Cherie Curie served as the group's lead singer and Jackie Fox played the bass.

The Runaways released their self-titled debut album in 1976. With their punkish sound, provocative stage outfits, and rebellious lyrics, the band shocked and confused many in the rock world. Other bands and some critics did not take them seriously because of their young age and their gender. The group was groundbreaking for the time, and American audiences weren't sure what to make of them. In Japan, however, The Runaways enjoyed some success.

Solo Career

When The Runaways broke up in 1979, Ford took voice lessons and supported herself with various odd jobs, working as a fitness instructor and a perfume saleswoman. She broke into heavy metal again in 1983 with her solo album Out for Blood, followed the next year by Dancin' on the Edge. Little was heard from Ford for the next few years, until her most successful album to date, Lita, was released in 1988. By this time, pop-metal had broken through to mainstream audiences, and Ford's popularity skyrocketed.