Question: Joan Jett & the Blackhearts covered a song by the first westerner to achieve pop start status in Japan.  When was that song first recorded?
Facts:
Alan Merrill is the lead singer of song I Love Rock 'n' Roll
I Love Rock 'n' Roll was first released in 1975
Alan Merrill was the first westerner to achieve pop star status
Alan Merrill was recorded  the first released version of I Love Rock 'n' Roll
I Love Rock 'n' Roll was made famous by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
Answer: 1975