Suzi Quatro – Can The Can

Suzi Quatro: The Queen of Rock and Roll

Few artists have broken barriers in rock and roll quite like Suzi Quatro. With her signature leather jumpsuits, a bass guitar slung low, and a voice that could command any stage, she redefined what it meant to be a woman in rock music. Quatro’s influence is undeniable, and her legacy continues to inspire musicians and fans alike.

Early Life and Breakthrough

Born Susan Kay Quatro on June 3, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan, Suzi was raised in a musical family. Her father was a jazz musician, and she developed a passion for music at an early age. In her teenage years, she played in local bands, including The Pleasure Seekers, a pioneering all-female rock group she formed with her sisters.

Her big break came in the early 1970s when legendary British producer Mickie Most spotted her talent and invited her to England. There, she adopted a tougher, more aggressive sound that set her apart from other female artists of the era.

Rise to Stardom

Quatro’s first single, “Can the Can” (1973), was an instant hit, topping the charts in the UK and Australia. This was followed by other chartbusters like “48 Crash,” “Devil Gate Drive,” and “The Wild One.” Her blend of hard rock and glam aesthetics made her an international sensation, especially in Europe and Australia. Despite her success overseas, she never reached the same level of superstardom in her native U.S., though she remained a cult favorite.

She gained further recognition in America through her role as Leather Tuscadero on the hit TV series Happy Days in the late 1970s, which showcased her charisma and stage presence to a new audience.

Musical Legacy and Influence

Suzi Quatro’s impact on rock music is monumental. She paved the way for female rock musicians like Joan Jett, Debbie Harry, and Chrissie Hynde. Her fearless approach to music and performance challenged gender stereotypes and proved that women could rock just as hard—if not harder—than their male counterparts.

Quatro has sold over 55 million records worldwide and continues to perform and record new music well into her 70s. Her 2019 album No Control and 2021’s The Devil in Me show that her energy and passion for rock and roll remain as strong as ever.

A Lasting Icon

Suzi Quatro’s contributions to rock music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. She remains an enduring symbol of empowerment and rock and roll rebellion. Whether through her music, her stage performances, or her role as a trailblazer for women in rock, Quatro’s influence continues to be felt in every chord struck by the next generation of rockers.

As she once said, “I will retire when I go on stage, shake my ass, and there is silence.”

With her unbreakable spirit and electrifying performances, that day still seems far away.