Giving Credit, Where Credit's Due: the REAL 'Suzy Q'

[STEPHEN L FREEMAN]

In researching the 'Suzy Q' release, "Computer Music", I found that the only names mentioned are:
Carol Jiani as original vocalist on "Get On Up & Do It Again"
Michelle Mills as vocalist for the LP of the same name

But it stops there. When, actually, Michelle Mills was no longer 'Suzy Q', after the 2nd LP.

"Can't Live Without You" (aka "Can't Live" and/or "Can't Love"), "Harmony", Computer Music" and (re-christened as, simply 'SUZY') "Don't Come Crying To Me" (the same title, and mere months-apart release date, as Linda Clifford's 12", but not the same song)
were all recorded by 'Angie Vileno'. A little lady, with a BIG voice!

We had her perform at The Seagull / Miami Beach, back in 1987. And she was one of the most talented and professional performers I'd ever worked with! I'm telling the story of her unforgettable performance, on this week's BACK TO MUSIC.

To my professional horror, she's not credited as vocalist in any of my searches about 'Suzy Q'.
Yet she recorded the pseudonym's biggest successes.

So I'm putting this out there...

HERE'S THE REAL 'SUZY Q'!!!

[kdavid13]

Thanks Stephen - So this is the talented girl !!!

I love to hear those odd news regarding the Montreal dance scene...Just when I thought I knew it all !!!!

So it was still Michelle on the follow-up album ?? (See my review in the records section)...
Suzy Q Don't You Stop That Feeling (LP): DiscoMusic.com

[STEPHEN L FREEMAN]

So it was still Michelle on the follow-up album ?? (See my review in the records section)...

Yes. I'd say it was, still Michelle Mills on the follow-up LP, from 1982.
Though, honestly I never knew that existed.

But it was definitely Angie Valeno, from 1984 thru 1988. When JC Records released her four, back-2-back hits.
In my book, that gives her the bragging-rights to the name "Suzy Q".

[Bernie]

Please take a look at the note posted at:
Suzy Q Get On Up And Do It Again (LP): DiscoMusic.com

[kdavid13]

Yes. I'd say it was, still Michelle Mills on the follow-up LP, from 1982.
Though, honestly I never knew that existed.

But it was definitely Angie Valeno, from 1984 thru 1988. When JC Records released her four, back-2-back hits.
In my book, that gives her the bragging-rights to the name "Suzy Q".

You bet.
And that voice truly shines on so many tracks off the Unidisc Greatest Hits CD.

If you love me (Like you say you love me) (to stay with the Montreal connection - Alma Faye Brooks also recorded a great version in 1977).

I wanna feel your touch (from Computer Music-writer Rene Grignon) and Everybody get dancin' (a semi-faithful cover of the Bombers' huge disco hit.)

[SandraDee]

"Don't Come Crying To Me" (the same title, and mere months-apart release date, as Linda Clifford's 12", but not the same song)

Surely Linda's DCCTM was a good 5 years before Suzy/Angie's?:icon_confused:

[STEPHEN L FREEMAN]

Surely Linda's DCCTM was a good 5 years before Suzy/Angie's?:icon_confused:

Oh, yes... At least 5, or 6 years prior.
But it resurfaced (for the life of me, I can't remember why...) in late '86, early '87.

I remember it, solely because we'd gotten a couple requests for the song, wherein the customers had the wrong Artist's name, in their head.

[chanteuse313]

Regardless of which singer you prefer, "Suzy Q" was simply a number of interchangeable singers hired by the Cuccuzella brothers. Although there have been three "Suzy Q's", mine was the only face officially connected with "Suzy Q' as my image appeared on the Suzy Q album that I recorded (Get on Up and do it Again.) Remember, the Disco era was producer driven. Many artists with dance club hits had no real name/face recognition.

Who knows? Suzy Q may be reincarnated yet again! The Cuccuzellas still have all the masters and can rework, remix and release them as they please.

[Francois]

As the one who created that page (for "Get On Up and Do It Again"--that's my LP that was scanned for it!), I appreciate the correction. I played this album to death in late 1981/early 1982 and have just recorded many of the tracks to digital on a vinyl-to-digital recorder. I also have a 12" of "Computer Music", dated 1985 (I think), which I got much later (late 90s) and I do recall finding it a mite odd that someone would disappear for 4 years in that business and have another song show up. And I definitely wondered why someone would remake the classic "Harmony" and sound SO close to the original that many would confuse them.

Wonder where any of these "Suzy Q"s are now.

[chanteuse313]

Well, Francois...

Carol Jiani is still performing. I don't know what happened to Angie Vileno--she doesn't seem to have done anything else after Suzy Q. As for Michelle? You're talking to her! Although I still sing, I retired from show business and returned to my first love--painting. I am in Detroit.

[jamiej-80sdisco]

Hi Michelle

Thank you for taking the time to clear up one of the great mysteries of 80's Hi Nrg, that there is no 'real' Suzy Q, and that you Carol Jiani and Angie Vileno were the voices behind the project. Interestingly Angie Vileno gets credited as producer along with with Jerry Cucuzzella on "Don't Come Crying To Me" and "Can't Live", but none of you three are ever credited as the vocalists.

The Suzy Q project however did create several very memorable and lasting songs - thanks to all involved for making those songs. Whichever of you actually sang them, they are still fantastic songs!

[chanteuse313]

My pleasure, Jamie. I did have a chance to tour for a year or so as Suzy Q. I did the Paradise Garage, the Copa in New York and Ft. Lauderdale, Snafu, Eric's and many other clubs. I also did a number of TV shows in Canada. It was a great experience! I quit showbiz around 1983.

I did the Get On Up and Do it Again album--for which I was credited and compensated. Because my photo appears on the Suzy Q album that I recorded, my picture is often used on YouTube (and everywhere else) regardless of whether I'm singing that particular Suzy Q song. To add to the confusion, my version of GOUADIA, a remix of that song and my recording of "Get on Up" appear on the 1994 "Suzy Q" release, "Can't Live Without Your Love". To the best of my knowledge, Angie Vileno is the vocalist on the other tracks. I believe that the Can't Live Without Your Love compilation is the only Suzy Q music available for download in iTunes.

I'm not sure whether Carol Jiani recorded GOUADIA for JC Records before or after she signed with Matra Records. Hit and Run Lover came out in 1980--Her version of GOUADIA was released in late 1980 or early 1981. My version (12 inch and album) was released later in 1981. I walked into the studio in Montreal having never heard the song! I actually thought that Carol's track was a demo. I wasn't familiar with her at all. It wasn't until later that I learned of her contractual conflict.

Though I've never met Carol or Angie, they are both fine singers and terrific performers. It's an honor to be associated with them. I'm happy to know that people still enjoy the music and memories associated with that era. Hint: to help tell the difference between us, I'd say that Carol has a softer sound and sings with a slight accent. I have an edgy sound and Angie has a big sound.

Hopes this helps to clear up the mystery!

Kind regards,

Michelle Mills

[jamiej-80sdisco]

Thanks to Michelle Mills comments in this Forum i have updated the Suzy Q profile on discogs, as well as the profiles of Angie Vileno, Milchelle mIlls and Carol Jiani to credit them all with their involvement in the Suzy Q project.

See here:
http://www.discogs.com/artist/Suzy+Q
http://www.discogs.com/artist/Angie+Vileno
http://www.discogs.com/artist/Michelle+Mills+%282%29
http://www.discogs.com/artist/Carol+Jiani

So hopefully Stephen, if you do an internet search now the information on discogs and discomusic.com at least is correct

[remicks]

*****

thank you Michelle Mills, Suzy Q , for being so generous with your time and info and for sharing it with us here at discomusic.com.

We love to learn every nuance about the music we love - especially from those like yourself who know the details best. Your participation adds clarity and insight.

Unfortunately it's rare when artists/insiders of the era make the effort to make enlightening appearances here ..... most don't get around to it .... and then - they are dead.

so your generosity is much appreciated and admired.

and that's giving credit where credit is due



remicks

*****

[chanteuse313]

My pleasure, remicks. I'd post a more recent photo of myself, but I don't know how!

[jamiej-80sdisco]

Thank you once again Michelle (my apologies for the typos above!) - it is really great to hear from one of the original artists of the period, and as remicks said, thank you for your time to clear up such a niche area of music. The Suzy Q project has had a number of theories around it for years now - hopefully the 'record' is straight (forgive the pun).
Fans of this music do appreciate it when we make contact with an artist, as we are have lost a number of the great voices from this period over recent years, and that list sadly continues to grow.
I am sure 'Suzy Q' fans will join me in wishing you the very best.

[Videoskooter]

My pleasure, remicks. I'd post a more recent photo of myself, but I don't know how!

Hi Michelle, great to have you here and thank you for connecting to the Discomusic.com community. As for your photo, you can upload it to our server by clicking the paperclip symbol (the first row just besides the Smileys icon). A pop-up screen will appear and you can load a pic directly from your PC. That way it will appear as an attachment in your post.

[remicks]

Fans of this music do appreciate it when we make contact with an artist, as we are have lost a number of the great voices from this period over recent years, and that list sadly continues to grow.
I am sure 'Suzy Q' fans will join me in wishing you the very best.

thanks Jamie for expounding upon my comments that were indeed made out of frustration that as more and more continue to slip away, so many acts/participants from the era remain so aloof. (((I don't know why???))))

All I know is comes the dreaded day - and poof .....we won't worry about it no more !!!.

That's why its appreciated when folks like yourself make the choice to drop by Miss Mills

And just to be clear, my comments were not to imply I'm in any way concerned about your immediate well-being .
Judging from your photo from BITD
it's likely you'll be around a long long time!

And like Jamie, I wish you the very best!

remicks

[chanteuse313]

And thanks to all of YOU for keeping the music alive.