Yesterday When I Was Young

Suzanne was only 14 years old when she and her siste Judy Donaldson were discovered in 1965, and so began one of New Zealand’s most enduring and stellar singing careers — first as the blonde half of sisterly duo The Chicks; then as a backing singer to international stars like Cat Stevens and Sandie Shaw; a solo performer for several decades; and eventually back to being part of a group, The Lady Killers.

In mid-60s New Zealand, the emergence of the singing, dancing sisters The Chicks — with their matching outfits, stylish hairdos and catchy pop songs — was a breath of fresh air. They soon became household names as regular guests on the TV show C’mon, appearing alongside the likes of Ray Colombus and Peter Sinclair, before Suzanne launched her solo career on Happen Inn.

Few New Zealand artists can match Suzanne’s remar­kable longevity. Still performing to sell-out audiences today, this national treasure has finally acquiesced to the many requests that she write her life story.

Yesterday When I Was Young is a richly nostalgic journey through a life in music — packed with never-before-seen photos, and the wit and warmth of a true pop diva who’s far from ready to hang up her microphone.