Susan Jacks

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Susan Jacks (born Susan Pesklevits on August 19, 1948, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada; died April 25, 2022) was a Canadian singer-songwriter. She was best known as a lead vocalist of the pop group The Poppy Family, which achieved international success in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Her clear, ethereal voice and emotive performances helped define the sound of the era and left a lasting impact on the Canadian music scene.

Early Life

Susan Jacks was born into a musical family and showed an early interest in music. She began her career in music as a teenager, performing in local clubs and talent shows in Saskatoon before moving to Vancouver, British Columbia, where she would eventually rise to fame.

Career

In Vancouver, Susan met Terry Jacks, a musician with whom she would form The Poppy Family. Along with Craig McCaw and Satwant Singh, the group released their debut album, Which Way You Goin' Billy? in 1969. The title track became a breakout hit, reaching number 1 in Canada and number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. The song's success catapulted the group to international stardom, leading to tours and television appearances around the world.

Following the success of The Poppy Family, Susan embarked on a solo career in the mid-1970s after the group disbanded. She released several albums and singles, including hits like "I Thought of You Again" and "You Don't Know What Love Is." Despite her solo success, she is still most fondly remembered for her work with The Poppy Family.

Personal Life

Susan Jacks was married to Terry Jacks, but the couple eventually divorced. Despite their personal separation, they continued to work together professionally for some time. Susan faced several health challenges later in life, including kidney failure, which led her to undergo a kidney transplant in 2010, donated by her brother Billy.

Legacy

Susan Jacks' contribution to Canadian music and the international pop scene of the 1960s and 1970s remains significant. Her voice and songs continue to be celebrated by fans and remembered as an important part of the era's musical landscape. She was inducted into the British Columbia Entertainment Hall of Fame, cementing her status as a key figure in Canadian music history.

Death

Susan Jacks passed away on April 25, 2022, after a long battle with kidney disease. Her death was mourned by fans and peers alike, who remembered her as a talented artist and a pioneer for women in the music industry.