Lita Ford (The Runaways) Biography

Short Summary

Lita Ford is a renowned musician best known as a guitarist for the groundbreaking all-female rock band The Runaways in the 1970s. Her solo career in the 1980s further solidified her status as a rock icon, with hits like "Kiss Me Deadly" and "Close My Eyes Forever." Ford's trailblazing presence in a male-dominated industry made her a significant figure in the history of rock music, inspiring future generations of female musicians.

Early Life & Education

Lita Rossana Ford was born on September 19, 1958, in London, England, and moved to the United States at a young age. Raised in Los Angeles, California, she developed an early interest in music, heavily influenced by British rock bands and musicians like Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple. Ford picked up the guitar at age eleven, dedicating herself to mastering the instrument. Her passion for rock music was evident throughout her early years, shaping her future career. Ford attended high school in Los Angeles, where her talent began to shine, leading her to pursue a career in rock music.

Career Highlights

Ford's career took off when she joined The Runaways in 1975, a pioneering all-female rock band that challenged the norms of the music industry. As the lead guitarist, she contributed to the band's distinctive sound, which blended punk rock and glam rock elements. After The Runaways disbanded in 1979, Ford embarked on a successful solo career in the 1980s. Her solo work included the album "Lita," released in 1988, which featured popular tracks like "Kiss Me Deadly" and a duet with Ozzy Osbourne, "Close My Eyes Forever." Ford's ability to blend hard rock with pop sensibilities helped her achieve commercial success.

Major Achievements

As a member of The Runaways, she helped break gender barriers in rock music during the 1970s.
Her solo album "Lita" went platinum and featured several hit singles that topped the charts.
Ford received the Guitar Player Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017, recognizing her influence in the rock music industry.
She was nominated for the MTV Video Music Awards for her music videos in the 1980s.

Famous Quotes

"You can't be afraid of getting old. Old is good, if you're gathering in life."
"I need the freedom to rock. I need the freedom to be myself."

Interesting Facts

Ford was one of the first female guitarists to achieve success in the hard rock and metal genres.
She once took a break from music to raise her family, returning with a comeback album in 2009.
Ford has collaborated with numerous rock legends, including Ozzy Osbourne and Nikki Sixx.
She played guitar for the legendary band The Runaways when she was just sixteen years old.

Legacy / Influence

Lita Ford's influence extends beyond her music; she is a symbol of empowerment for women in the rock industry. Her pioneering role in The Runaways and her successful solo career have inspired countless female musicians to pursue their dreams in a traditionally male-dominated field. Ford's music continues to resonate with fans worldwide, and her legacy endures as a testament to her talent and determination.