Rock and Roll Musicians: The Troops Unsung Heroes

There are those unsung heroes who quietly serve behind the scenes and who don’t ask for much attention.
By Donna Teresa

Within the last few years, I have been receiving a large number of requests from the Armed Forces to write about a group of people who have entertained them for many years. When I tell you who they are, many of you will be surprised to learn how much they have done for our men and women in the military.

They have done it without a big production or major news coverage and that’s how they like it. Their travels have taken them to many countries, military bases, and remote locations. Their mission is just to play great rock and roll for the troops. The group I am talking about is Platinum recording artist Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and their producer Kenny Laguna.

Kenny Laguna’s talent spans a legendary lifetime of work as a performer, songwriter and producer and briefly spent time in the military himself…

He has worked and performed with groups such as Jay and The Americans, Darlene Love, Tommy James and the Shondells, The Ohio Players, Bill Medley, The Greg Kihn Band and Bow Wow Wow. While working for the then Beserkley Record Label, he began what has now been a long partnership with former singer of the 70’s girl group The Runaways, Joan Jett. 

Jett, the daughter of a Korean War veteran, has appeared with actors Michael J. Fox and Gena Rowlands in the 1987 movie "Light of Day" and on Broadway in the Rocky Horror Picture Show. She’s also remembered for the 1981 rock anthem "I Love Rock and Roll."  

Jett and Laguna have played overseas for the troops more than 65 times and with the USO through the years.

"We wanted to play for the troops, so wherever Julie Rader, our press person could find us a base to play, we would go."

Recalling time spent in Afghanistan in 2001, there are stories that just touch the heart.

"It was New Years Eve and we were three hours late, but these kids were waiting for us," Laguna said. "They had built a plywood stage for us. They were going back and forth running combat missions and would come to hear the band play and go back out to run another mission. Our times playing with the troops was magical."

Laguna remembers another moment: "I watched Joanie comforting a wounded soldier in a hospital who was distraught after his wife had decided to leave him because his tours of duty were so frequent and he was never home.

"The wounded soldier had been sleeping, and when he woke up, Joan was right there and this soldier thought he was dreaming, because when he opened his eyes, here was the famous rock and roller, Joan Jett right by his side. She held him and gave him some encouragement and he decided he was going to not give up on life."

Forming attachments to the men and women they meet during their shows is one of the highlights. However, no one can quite prepare you when one loses their life. Laguna stayed in touch with an Army Special Forces medic, Bill Bennett. Sadly, Bennett was killed in Iraq.

Laguna has a special message for the troops all over the world.

"We think you are all special, we know you are there," he said. "The sacrifices you are making are outrageous. We love you and come home safe."

Recently, celebrating the 28th anniversary of the Blackhearts record label (www.joanjett.com), Laguna and Jett have no plans to slow down. If the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is listening, I hope they make some room for these deserving individuals.

One thing no one can deny: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Kenny Laguna may love rock ‘n’ roll, but they also love the troops too.

Donna Teresa can be reached at [email protected].