Suzanne Lynch: From The Chicks to Cat Stevens – 60 Years of NZ Music History
Episode Description
Suzanne Lynch is a true icon of New Zealand music, with a career spanning more than 60 years- she’s still going strong too and has no plans of slowing up.
She first rose to fame and became a household name in New Zealand with her sister as a duo called The Chicks back in the 1960s. From there, she went on to work with some of the biggest names in music: including Cat Stevens, Olivia Newton-John, David Bowie and Luther Vandross.
More recently she was the vocal coach on reality TV shows like NZ Idol and NZs Got Talent.
And in 2020 she was inducted in the NZ Music Hall of Fame.
In this conversation, Suzanne opens up about:
+ The excitement and challenges of finding fame when she was only 14.
+ Why she wrote her book for her grandchildren — and what she hopes they learn from her story.
+ The lessons Cat Stevens taught her about music and life.
+ The importance of resilience, mentorship, and choosing happiness. And much more!
Suzanne is a national treasure, and this was a real treat.
She has a new book out too, called “Yesterday when I was young” available at all good bookstores- it’s definitely worth checking out if you want to know more about Suzannes incredible life and career. ***
YT Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome & still performing at 74 02:24 – Why she wrote the book for her grandkids 07:44 – The Chicks: discovery & TV fame 10:10 – Teenage fame, school & chaperones 14:51 – Drawing the line: the bikini photo incident 26:35 – Going solo as “Suzanne” & Entertainer of the Year (1970) 28:58 – Redwood ’70 & meeting Prince Charles 31:22 – Touring with Cat Stevens: craft & discipline 38:26 – Abbey Road with Olivia Newton-John; Bowie & Luther stories 47:40 – “Sailing Away” & the America’s Cup anthem moment 53:33 – Iconic jingles; coaching on NZ Idol/NZGT 58:07 – Honours, resilience, happiness & legacy
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Brief Summary
Suzanne Lynch reflects on her music career, aging, and her new book while sharing personal anecdotes and insights from her life in the industry.
Key points
- The Journey of Writing a Memoir. Suzanne shares how writing her memoir brought her back to her youth.
- The Impact of Early Fame. Suzanne reflects on the whirlwind of fame she experienced as a teenager.
- A Different Time. Reflecting on how school and society have changed over the years.
- New Zealand Entertainer of the Year. Suzanne reflects on being named New Zealand's Entertainer of the Year at just 20.
- Cat Stevens' Influence. Suzanne shares her fond memories of working with Cat Stevens.
- Reconnecting with Cat Stevens. The speaker reflects on their friendship with Cat Stevens and his transformation into Yousef.
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Episode highlights
- The Journey of Writing a MemoirSuzanne shares how writing her memoir brought her back to her youth.“I felt like I was 15 again.”3:13Sep 30, 2025
- The Impact of Early FameSuzanne reflects on the whirlwind of fame she experienced as a teenager.“I was just having fun, you know.”6:16Sep 30, 2025
- A Different TimeReflecting on how school and society have changed over the years.“It was just a different time.”17:52Sep 30, 2025
- New Zealand Entertainer of the YearSuzanne reflects on being named New Zealand's Entertainer of the Year at just 20.“I was, which was a shock.”25:58Sep 30, 2025
- Cat Stevens' InfluenceSuzanne shares her fond memories of working with Cat Stevens.“I have the greatest love and respect for Cat Stevens.”30:54Sep 30, 2025
- Reconnecting with Cat StevensThe speaker reflects on their friendship with Cat Stevens and his transformation into Yousef.“It was hard for me. I had to think that my friend was no more.”37:10Sep 30, 2025
- Memorable Moments with Billy T. JamesThe speaker shares humorous anecdotes about their time with the late comedian and singer.“Suzanne is the winner.”46:37Sep 30, 2025
- Singing the National AnthemAn unexpected performance at a major event leads to a humorous mishap.“I always will be mortified about it now.”51:01Sep 30, 2025
