Glam Slam Guide

The leather-clad, bass-slinging Detroit firecracker who kicked down the doors for every woman who ever wanted to rock harder than the boys.

She was barely five-foot-nothing, but when she strapped on that bass, slapped on the black leather jumpsuit, and snarled “Can the Can,” the entire glam world stood up and took notice.

The Glam Slam Essentials

1. Suzi Quatro (1973) – Album Release (1973)

The debut that announced her arrival – “48 Crash”, “Glycerine Queen”, pure leather-tough glam.

2. Quatro (1974) – Album Release (1974)

Peak Quatro – “Devil Gate Drive” (UK #1), “Too Big”, “The Wild One”.

3. Your Mamma Won't Like Me (1975) – Album Release (1975)

A little tougher, a little funkier – “Your Mamma Won’t Like Me”, “Michael”.

4. Aggro-Phobia (1976) – Album Release (1976)

Underrated gem – “Tear Me Apart”, “Heartbreak Hotel”.

Where to Start Listening Today (5 tracks)

1. Can the Can – the ultimate bass-driven glam stomper

2. Devil Gate Drive – UK #1 party anthem

3. 48 Crash – infectious as hell

4. The Wild One – the song that defined her

5. Stumblin’ In (with Chris Norman) – the massive soft-rock detour that hit #4 US

Suzi Quatro didn’t ask for permission – she grabbed the bass, turned it up, and showed the boys how glam was really done.

Turn it up, zip up the leather, and remember: if you can’t stand the heat… get off the stage.

Deep Dive:

Early Life:

Born: June 3, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan, USA.

Real Name: Susan Kay Quatro.

Music Career:

Beginnings: She started her musical career with her sisters in a band called "The Pleasure Seekers" in the late 1960s.

Breakthrough: In 1973, she moved to the UK and was signed by Mickie Most to RAK Records, where she released her debut album "Suzi Quatro" in 1973. Her first hit was "Can the Can" which topped the charts in several countries.

Hits: Other notable hits include "48 Crash," "Daytona Demon," and "If You Can't Give Me Love." Her biggest hit in the U.S. was "Stumblin' In," a duet with Chris Norman in 1978, which reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Style: Known for her leather jumpsuits and rock 'n' roll attitude, Quatro was one of the first female rock stars to truly embody the rock persona, influencing many female musicians who followed.

Acting Career:

Television: Quatro played the role of Leather Tuscadero in the TV series "Happy Days," which helped cement her celebrity status in the U.S.

Stage and Screen: She has also appeared in various theatre productions and had roles in films and TV shows over the years.

Later Career:

Suzi Quatro has continued to release music over the decades, with albums like "Unreleased Emotion" in 1998 and "The Devil in Me" in 2021 showing her enduring presence in the music industry.

She has toured internationally, maintaining a dedicated fan base.

Legacy:

Quatro is often cited as an influence by many female musicians, particularly for her role in breaking down barriers in rock music for women.

She was honored with the Icon Award at the She Rocks Awards in 2019 for her contributions to music.

Other Notables:

She has written an autobiography titled "Unzipped" released in 2007.

Quatro has been involved in radio, hosting her own show on BBC Radio 2.

Suzi Quatro's influence extends beyond her music; she's a symbol of empowerment for women in rock, known for her distinctive voice, bass playing, and charismatic stage presence.