Women’s History Month – Suzi Quatro
“Daddy, I want THAT ONE”!
That is my first memory of Suzi Quatro. I was about 7 years old, in the record store with my dad and I spotted the Suzi Quatro debut – with her out front looking tough and cool and her band behind her and it spoke to me. We bought it, and hearing “48 Crash” for the first time changed my life.
Suzi came before Joan Jett, before Chrissie Hynde, before Heart. She was the original punk rock princess with a pop punch that was infectious. Detroit born and raised she kicked down every door. I never saw a girl playing an instrument, never mind a bass guitar.
Suzi’s success was massive overseas, but minimal in the states. Joan Jett took so much of who she is as a performer (and she graciously discusses that openly) from Suzi. Suzi invented the cool scream, the original bass playing chick (there were none back then) and the leather jumpsuit style.
She became a household name with her “Leather Tuscedero” – (Pinky’s singing cousin) on the series Happy Days in 1977 and had a huge hit – “Stumblin’ In” with British singer Chris Norman and has always remained active. Two different roles for this incredible rebel.
Suzi is still recording and performing and has NEVER compromised.
I loved her. I still do. If you really want to know her, please check out her documentary “SUZI Q” that came out in 2019- it’s magnificent.
I was lucky enough to grab some time with Suzi not so long ago. Here’s a taste of our chat. How lucky am I?
