Lita Rossana Ford is a renowned English-born American rock guitarist, actress, vocalist, and songwriter who initially rose to fame as the lead guitarist for the Runaways in the late 1970s before embarking on a successful solo career in the 1980s.
Born on September 19, 1958, in London, England, to an English father and an Italian mother, Ford's family relocated to the United States when she was in second grade, eventually settling in Long Beach, California. This move would later influence her musical style and career trajectory.
Ford's fascination with music began at the tender age of 11, inspired by Ritchie Blackmore's work with Deep Purple. Her natural talent and dedication led her to develop a remarkable mezzo-soprano vocal range, which would become a defining feature of her artistic expression.
In 1975, at the age of 16, Ford was recruited by the renowned recording impresario Kim Fowley to join the all-female rock band he was assembling, the Runaways. The band's formation marked the beginning of a highly successful and tumultuous chapter in Ford's career. The Runaways released their debut album in 1976 and gained significant media attention, becoming a household name in the late 1970s.
Ford's exceptional lead-guitar playing was a key component of the band's distinctive sound, which was characterized by its blend of hard rock and punk influences. However, internal conflicts began to emerge within the band, particularly between Ford and vocalist/guitarist Joan Jett, who wanted to shift the band's sound towards a more punk-influenced direction. With neither faction willing to compromise, the Runaways disbanded in April 1979.
After the Runaways, Ford pursued a solo career, releasing her debut album in the early 1980s. Her subsequent albums showcased her versatility as a musician, exploring a range of styles from rock to pop to heavy metal. Throughout her illustrious career, Ford has remained a highly respected and influential figure in the world of rock music.
