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Suzanne Lynch has been a household name in New Zealand for more than 60 years, from her days in as teenager music star in the 1960s as one of the sisterly duo The Chicks, through a career as a backing singer to Neil Sedaka, Cat Stevens and Sandie Shaw, then forging her own path as a solo singer before joining the Lady Killers.
Now in her seventies, Suzanne is as active as ever as a coach, singer and now a writer. She has just published her autobiography – Yesterday When I was Young. The book is rich with more than 230 photos and her musical history and was prompted in part, Suzanne says, by wanting to share her many experiences with her children and grandchildren.
“They were always saying to me “why has nana got all those sparkling clothes in her wardrobe, and why does everyone seem to know nanny?”
It prompted her to start writing her memories down, and she then worked with author Karyn Hay to complete the book.
She has strong ties with the Coast, as her dad lived in Stanmore Bay.
She worked with Yusuf Islam ( Cat Stevens) for five years in London from 1975 to 1980, and he has written the foreword for the book.
Writing the book gave Suzanne time to explore her past, she says, often rediscovering and remembering things as she went through the photos and mementoes.
“I felt like I was 15 again, it was bizarre.”
Suzanne says highlights of her career included being on the early New Zealand pop show Come On.
I had a wonderful time and made some great friends – we’ve stayed great friends over all that time.”
One of her greatest memories, she says was singing at Madison Square Garden behind Cats Stevens and seeing her hero Joni Mitchell in the third row.
“But I’m still out having a great time, I’m still out doing gigs with Shane [Hales] and ShaZam, and having a ball.”
Suzanne will be speaking at Manly Park Seniors Tennis Club on November 28 at 2pm, where she will talk about her book, sing a few songs, and take questions. Entry by prepaid tickets only: $20pp (includes light refreshments). For further details email: Vetssecretary@live.com
WIN this book
We have a copy of Yesterday When I was Young to Give away. To go in the draw email hibiscusnews@localmatters.co.nz Alternatively, write your name, address and phone number on the back of an envelope and post or drop into Yesterday When I was Young giveaway, Hibiscus Matters, 21 Florence Ave, Ōrewa. Entries close 5pm Thursday November 13.
