Lita Ford

Date of Birth: September 19, 1958

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Biography

Lita Ford, born Lita Rossana Ford, is a legendary rock guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter, best known for her work with the all-female rock band The Runaways and her successful solo career. Born on September 19, 1958, in London, England, Ford moved to the United States at a young age and grew up in Long Beach, California. She picked up the guitar at age 11, inspired by the music of Jimi Hendrix and Ritchie Blackmore. In 1975, at the age of 16, Ford joined The Runaways, a groundbreaking all-female rock band that also included Joan Jett and Cherie Currie. The band achieved international fame with hits like “Cherry Bomb” and “Queens of Noise,” and they became iconic figures in the punk rock movement. After the band’s breakup in 1979, Ford embarked on a solo career. Her solo success peaked in the late 1980s with hits like “Kiss Me Deadly” and the duet “Close My Eyes Forever” with Ozzy Osbourne. The latter became a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Ford continued to release music and tour throughout the years, maintaining her status as a rock icon.

5 Interesting Facts about Lita Ford

1. Lita Ford was the lead guitarist for The Runaways, one of the first all-female rock bands to gain international fame.

2. Her duet with Ozzy Osbourne, “Close My Eyes Forever,” reached number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1989.

3. She was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance in 1984.

4. Ford took a hiatus from the music industry in the mid-1990s to focus on raising her children, returning to music in 2008.

5. She has been a prominent advocate for women in rock music, often speaking out about the challenges she faced in a male-dominated industry.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Lita Ford

1. “You can’t be what you can’t see. That’s why representation is so important, especially for young girls who want to rock.”

2. “My guitar is not a thing. It is an extension of myself. It is who I am.”

3. “The music industry is tough, but if you love what you do, you’ll find a way to make it work.”

4. “Working with Ozzy was incredible. He’s a genius and a true rock ‘n’ roll spirit.”

5. “I’ve had my ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade my journey for anything.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Lita Ford is estimated to be around $3 million.

Children

Lita Ford has two sons, James Leonard Gillette and Rocco Gillette, from her marriage to Jim Gillette, lead vocalist of the band Nitro. The couple divorced in 2011, and Ford has been vocal about her struggles with custody issues.