Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born as Lita Rossana Ford on September 19, 1958, in London, England, she moved to Long Beach, California, with her family as a young child. At the age of 11, Lita picked up the guitar, inspired by the legendary Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple. Her musical talent quickly stood out, and by the time she was 16, she was invited to join The Runaways, an all-female rock band that would become a cornerstone of her early career.
Rise to Fame with The Runaways
Lita became the lead guitarist for The Runaways, a group that gained attention for its bold sound and rebellious image. With the band, she released four albums between 1976 and 1978, including their debut “The Runaways” and “Queens of Noise.” Their hit single “Cherry Bomb” became a fan favorite and earned a spot at #52 on VH1’s list of the “100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs.”
Lita’s Successful Solo Career
After The Runaways disbanded in 1979, Ford took a short break before launching a solo career. Her solo debut “Out for Blood” came in 1983, followed by “Dancin’ on the Edge” in 1984, which earned her a Grammy nomination. However, it was her 1988 album “Lita” that truly catapulted her into stardom. Managed by Sharon Osbourne, the album went Platinum in the U.S. and Gold in Canada, featuring hits like “Kiss Me Deadly” and the chart-topping duet “Close My Eyes Forever” with Ozzy Osbourne.
She continued her momentum with albums like “Stiletto” (1990) and “Dangerous Curves” (1991). Although she stepped back from music in the late ’90s to focus on her family, Lita returned in the 2000s with new albums such as “Wicked Wonderland” (2009) and “Living Like a Runaway” (2012).
Ford’s Personal Life and Challenges
Ford’s personal life has seen its share of ups and downs. She was briefly engaged to Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath and later married Chris Holmes in 1990. After their divorce, she married Jim Gillette in 1994 and had two sons. Their marriage ended in 2011 amid a bitter custody battle, during which Ford raised awareness about parental alienation.
Recognition and Legacy
Lita Ford’s contribution to rock music hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2014, she received Guitar Player magazine’s Certified Legend Award. Throughout her career, she has also received Grammy and MTV Video Music Award nominations.
Final Thoughts
Lita Ford’s net worth of $4 million reflects a career built on genuine talent, trailblazing spirit, and resilience. From a teenage guitarist to a legendary rock figure, her journey continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans around the world.
