Happy 61st Birthday to legendary Queen of Glam Suzi Quatro

Susan Kay "Suzi" Quatro (born in Detroit, Michigan, June 3, 1950) is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and actress.

She scored a string of hit singles in the 1970s that found greater success in Europe than in her homeland, and had a recurring role on the popular American sitcom Happy Days. American fans are probably most familiar with her hit "Devil Gate Drive", which she performed as Leather Tuscadero, during season 5, on the episode, "Fonzie and Leather Tuscadero, Part II".





Quatro is the aunt of actress Sherilyn Fenn, whose mother is Quatro's sister Arlene. Quatro began her musical career at the age of fourteen. She played the bass guitar in the all-female band Pleasure Seekers and Cradle with her sisters Patti, Nancy, and Arlene. Also, according to her autobiography, her first bass guitar was a 1957 Fender Precision, given to her by her father. Patti Quatro later joined the band Fanny, one of the earliest all-female rock bands to gain national attention. She has a brother, Michael Quatro, who is also a musician.

Quatro moved to the United Kingdom in 1971 after being discovered in Detroit by the record producer Mickie Most, who produced The Animals, Jeff Beck, Lulu, and Donovan. Most introduced Quatro to the songwriting and production team Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman. Following a support slot on a UK tour with Thin Lizzy and headliners Slade, her second single "Can the Can" (1973) was a number one hit throughout Europe and in Australia.




It was followed up by three further hits: "48 Crash" (1973), "Daytona Demon" (1973), and "Devil Gate Drive" (1974) on RAK Records. "Can the Can", "48 Crash" and "Devil Gate Drive" each sold over one million copies, and were each awarded gold discs.




Quatro continues to record and perform live around the world. She has a new album, the first in five years, called "In The Spotlight" (release date August, 29, 2011). For ordering info on her new album, visit: Cherry Red Records. For all things Suzi, visit her site: http://www.suziquatro.com/ and follow her on Twitter: @suzi_quatro

Happy 61st Birthday to Suzi Quatro, who proved it was possible for a woman of small stature to proudly and raunchily wear leather, sing and play bass. She had a direct influence on The Runaways and Joan Jett, and is A Bit Of Groovy!

Sources: Wikipedia, VVN Music Almanac, and Cherry Red Records