Lita Ford
Lita Rossana Ford (born 19 September 1958) is an English-born American rock guitarist, actress, vocalist and songwriter who was the lead guitarist for the Runaways in the late 1970s before embarking on a solo career in the 1980s.
Lita Ford was born to an English father and an Italian mother in London, England. When she was in second grade, she moved with her family to the United States, eventually settling in Long Beach, California.
Inspired by Ritchie Blackmore's work with Deep Purple, she began playing the guitar at the age of 11. Her vocal range is mezzo-soprano.
In 1975, at age 16, Ford was recruited by recording impresario Kim Fowley to join the all-female rock band he was assembling called the Runaways. The band soon secured a recording contract and released their first album in 1976. The band garnered significant media attention and The Runaways became a successful recording and touring act during their late 1970s heyday. Ford's lead-guitar playing became an integral element of the band's sound until their eventual break-up in April 1979.
In 1977, internal conflicts were erupting within the Runaways, who had by that time already parted ways with producer Fowley, lead singer Cherie Currie, and bassist Jackie Fox. Vocalist/guitarist Joan Jett wanted the band to shift to a more Ramones-influenced punk rock sound, while Ford and drummer Sandy West wanted to continue playing the hard rock-oriented songs the band had become known for. With neither faction willing to compromise, the band finally broke up in April 1979.
(Wikipedia)
Acting
Movie
Highway to Hell
as The Hitchhiker
1991
Movie
Dio: Dreamers Never Die
as Self
2022
Movie
Suzi Q
as Self
2019
TV
Herman's Head
as Herself
1991
Movie
Edgeplay: A Film About The Runaways
as Self
2004
TV
That Metal Show
2008
Movie
The Rainbow
as Self
2019
Movie
Lita Ford: The Complete Video Collection
as Lead Vocals / Guitar
2003
Movie
The Joy of the Guitar Riff
as Self
2014
Movie
Girl in a Band: Tales from the Rock 'n' Roll Front Line
as Self
2015
Movie
Girls in Bands at the BBC
as Self (archive footage)
2015
Movie
The Guest List
as Self
2022
Movie
The Life, Blood and Rhythm of Randy Castillo
as Self
2014
Movie
The Runaways Live in Japan
as Self
1977
TV
Where Are They Now?
as Self
1999
Movie
Bon Jovi | Access All Areas: A Rock & Roll Odyssey
as Self
1990
TV
The Top Ten Revealed
as Self
2018
TV
I Love the '80s Strikes Back
2003
Movie
Rock 'n' Roll Sports Classic
as Self
1978
Movie
The RollerGames World Premiere Special
as Self
1989
Movie
Hard 'N Heavy Volume 9
as Self
1990
Movie
Hard 'N Heavy Volume 11
as Self
1990
Movie
Lita Ford: Live at Wacken 2025
as Vocals / Guitar
2025