Suzi Quatro

WHEN I WAS A KID IN THE  ’70s, you could name the serious women players on one hand. I was introduced to Suzi Quatro from her appearances as Leather Tuscadero on Happy Days, but prior to that, she was a multi-million selling artist with a reputation as a badass rock chick. Actually, she may have been the first “rock chick.” She dressed in black leather, played the hell out of the bass, and held her own with a group of rough Detroit dudes.

- Sue Foley

When I interviewed Suzi a few years back, I was struck by her seriousness as a player, her humility, and her outspoken opinions on female musicians. I love how she holds us all account able to master our instruments. Even though she’s a grandmother now, and has lived in Europe for decades, Suzi Quatro is real Detroit grit—a self-invented, unique, and courageous trailblazer.

You created the rock chick.