Suzi Quatro's 1980s Heyday: Hits, Albums & Bravo Ottos!
Ever wondered who truly defined the raw energy and unapologetic spirit of rock in the 1970s? Suzi Quatro, with her leather jumpsuits and bass guitar, wasn't just a musician; she was a cultural phenomenon. Her impact resonated far beyond record sales, influencing generations of female rockers who dared to break the mold.
Susan Kay Quatrocchio, known to the world as Suzi Quatro, was born on June 3, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan. Her musical journey began early, playing bass in her sister's band before launching her solo career. While she achieved considerable success in Europe and Australia throughout the 1970s, her influence on the landscape of rock music is undeniable. Quatro defied expectations, proving that women could command the stage with the same ferocity and talent as their male counterparts. Between 1973 and 1980, Quatro was awarded six Bravo Ottos, demonstrating her consistent popularity with audiences. Her contributions extend beyond performance; shes a songwriter and actress who continues to inspire fans worldwide, having sold over 50 million albums.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Susan Kay Quatrocchio |
| Born | June 3, 1950, Detroit, Michigan, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Singer, Bassist, Songwriter, Actress, Radio Personality |
| Genres | Glam Rock, Hard Rock, Rock and Roll, Pop Rock |
| Instruments | Bass Guitar, Vocals |
| Years Active | 1964 Present |
| Associated Acts | The Pleasure Seekers, Cradle |
| Significant Singles | "Can the Can" (1973), "48 Crash" (1973), "Devil Gate Drive" (1974), "Stumblin' In" (with Chris Norman, 1978) |
| Awards | Six Bravo Ottos (1973-1980), Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Online Hall of Fame (2010) |
| Website | Official Website |
The year 1980 marked a significant period in Quatro's career. Her "Greatest Hits" album, released that year, peaked at number four in the UK charts, solidifying her status as a major musical force. It was a testament to her enduring appeal and the strength of her back catalog, which resonated with audiences across various demographics. Also in October 1980, she released "Rock Hard", her seventh studio album, via Dreamland Records. Recorded over one month at United Western Studios in Hollywood, California, this was her first and only release under that label. It represented a shift in her sound, with Quatro exploring a more pop-rock oriented approach, even though it didn't reach the Billboard 100 album chart in the US, it performed well in Australia and Norway. Notable songwriters who contributed to these tracks include Suzi Quatro herself, Mike Chapman, Nicky Chinn, Len Tuckey, Eddy Brown, Teresa Straley, and David Krems.
While "Rock Hard" might not have duplicated the chart success of her earlier glam rock anthems in all markets, it demonstrated her willingness to evolve and experiment with her musical style. The title track "Rock Hard" was indeed a hit in Australia, peaking at number 9, though it reached only number 68 in the UK. The album was a moderate commercial success, proving Quatro's ability to adapt to changing musical trends and maintain her fanbase. The album also showed a softer side of Suzi Quatro that was not as prevalent in her earlier work. It also included "Glad All Over" (#70 germany) and "Lipstick" singles.
Furthermore, the years surrounding 1980 highlight Quatro's consistent presence in the music scene. Between 1973 and 1980, she spent an impressive 101 weeks on the British charts, demonstrating her sustained popularity. Her total record sales exceeded 55 million, a figure that continues to grow as new generations discover her music. This era saw her garnering the silver Bravo Otto award in 1980, adding to the bronze awards she had previously received in 1978 and 1979 from the German teen magazine Bravo.
Suzi Quatro's influence extends beyond her music. She has also explored acting, showcasing her versatility and talent in different creative fields. The three CD clam shell box set includes three albums recorded by Suzi Quatro from 1980 to 1986. Moreover, she remains an active performer, touring worldwide and connecting with fans of all ages. Her continued presence in the music industry is a testament to her enduring appeal and her unwavering commitment to her craft. Her work on albums such as "Rock Hard", originally released on vinyl in 1980 by RAK EMI Records, number CDP 794633, further solidified her status as a rock icon. The specific European release by 7T's Records occurred on October 30, 2024.
The recording and mixing of "Rock Hard" took place at United Western Studios in Hollywood, California, between June 18, 1980, and July 3, 1980, indicating the intensive effort and dedication put into the album's production. It's a snapshot of a pivotal time in her career, one where she was simultaneously celebrating past achievements with her "Greatest Hits" compilation and forging new paths with her studio albums. The discography site, Discogs, provides detailed credits, reviews, and shopping options for both the 1980 vinyl release of "Rock Hard" and "Greatest Hits", offering fans a chance to delve deeper into her musical journey.
Quatro's personal life also saw changes around this time. Before 1993, Quatro lived with her two children in a manor house near Chelmsford in Essex, England, which she and Tuckey bought in 1980. After having two children, she and her husband divorced in 1992.
Songs like "Devil Gate Drive," which reached number one in several countries in 1974, are just one example of her chart-topping success. In fact, "Devil Gate Drive" by Suzi Quatro ranked 165th. Her impact on popular music cannot be overstated. While she may be an American artist, France refers to her as "Susan kay quatrocchio, dite suzi quatro (n\u00e9e le 3 juin 1950 \u00e0 d\u00e9troit, michigan), est une chanteuse et bassiste am\u00e9ricaine de glam rock et hard rock.dans les ann\u00e9es 1970, elle enregistre une s\u00e9rie de singles qui connaissent le succ\u00e8s en europe et en australie, dont can the can (1973) et devil gate drive (1974) atteignant la premi\u00e8re place des ventes dans plusieurs pays." She had many singles that were successful throughout Europe and Australia in the 1970s, including "Can the Can" (1973) and "Devil Gate Drive" (1974), both of which reached the top of the sales charts in several nations.
Even releases like "Suzi Quatro's Greatest Hits" in 1980 charted at number 4 in the UK. Also she was awarded a Gold certification. She continues to be celebrated in her home state, being inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Online Hall of Fame in 2010. Her global reach is undeniable, and her influence on rock music, especially for women in rock, remains significant.
Furthermore, the broader context of Suzi Quatro's career reveals a consistent pattern of innovation and adaptability. She continued to release albums and perform live, always seeking new ways to connect with her audience. She has sold over 50 million albums and continues to perform live, worldwide. This dedication to her craft has solidified her place as a rock icon and a role model for aspiring musicians.
Between 1973 and 1980, Suzi Quatro was awarded six Bravo Ottos. Her "Greatest Hits" album, released in 1980, peaked at number four in the UK charts. "Rock Hard" is her seventh studio album, released in October 1980 by Dreamland Records. It was recorded over a month in 1980 at United Western Studios in Hollywood. The title track hit #68 in the UK charts, #26 in Germany, and #11 in Australia.
The 'Rock Hard' album features the 'Glad All Over' (#70 Germany) and 'Lipstick' singles. Suzi Quatro, born Susan Kay Quatrocchio on June 3, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan, is an American singer and bassist. She gained success in Europe and Australia in the 1970s with singles like 'Can the Can' (1973) and 'Devil Gate Drive' (1974). In 1980, 'Suzi Quatros Greatest Hits' reached number 4 in the UK. She received the silver Bravo Otto in 1980. Quatro lived near Chelmsford in Essex, England, before 1993, having bought a manor house with Len Tuckey in 1980.
The album was released on vinyl in 1980 by RAK EMI Records number CDP 794633. In 2010, she was inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Online Hall of Fame. Quatro has sold over 50 million albums. Notable songwriters for her tracks include Suzi Quatro, Mike Chapman, Nicky Chinn, Len Tuckey, Eddy Brown, Teresa Straley, and David Krems. The album 'Rock Hard' was a moderate commercial success. The title track peaked at number 9 in Australia and number 68 in the UK. Between 1973 and 1980, Suzi Quatro featured in the British charts for 101 weeks and has sold over 55 million records. Australia & New Zealand also supported her in 1980.
Recorded and mixed at United Western Studios, Hollywood, CA, from June 18, 1980 to July 3, 1980. She and Len Tuckey divorced in 1992, having two children. She moved out of the glam rock era looking for a pop rock approach, and although this effort didn't crack the billboard 100 album chart back in 1980, when first released, it did well in Australia and Norway. You can view credits, reviews, tracks, and shop for the 1980 vinyl release of rock hard on discogs. You can also view credits, reviews, tracks, and shop for the 1980 vinyl release of greatest hits on discogs.
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