Suzette DeGaetano Charles was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — the only child of an American mother, a schoolteacher, and an Italian father, a salesman. A gifted performer from an early age, Suzette attended the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, where she excelled in music and theatre. Upon graduation, she was named a Presidential Scholar in the Arts, receiving the Presidential Medallion from President Ronald Reagan in 1981 — one of only 141 students nationwide to earn that distinction.
Suzette went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Temple University, before stepping onto the national stage as Miss New Jersey in the Miss America 1984 pageant, held in Atlantic City. During the competition, she won a Preliminary Talent Award for her performance of Barbra Streisand’s “Kiss Me in the Rain.” Originally named first runner-up, Suzette succeeded Vanessa Williams to become Miss America 1984, marking the beginning of an extraordinary career that bridged music, television, and live performance.
Even before her pageant success, Suzette was already performing professionally as a singer, model, and actress across stage and screen. She appeared on the original soundtrack of the film adaptation of Hair, performing “Frank Mills” in the role of Crissy (though the scene was ultimately cut from the final film). She went on to act in major television productions, including the ABC soap opera Loving and the CBS series Frank’s Place, and made numerous television appearances in both the U.S. and U.K. — including on This Morning and as host of Bravo’s arts series Arts-Break. Suzette also narrated the motion picture Beyond the Dream.
Her talents as a live performer led to collaborations and stage appearances with some of the world’s most celebrated artists, including Stevie Wonder, Alan King, Joel Grey, Sammy Davis Jr., Bill Cosby, and Frank Sinatra. These performances showcased Suzette’s remarkable vocal range and charisma, blending soul, jazz, and pop with the elegance and confidence that would come to define her musical identity.
By the late 1980s, Suzette had signed to Capitol Records under the management of Barry Manilow’s Stiletto Management, before joining RCA Records in the early 1990s. In 1993, she began recording with the legendary British production team Mike Stock and Pete Waterman, best known for their work with Kylie Minogue, Rick Astley, and Bananarama. The collaboration produced her debut single “Free to Love Again”, released in August 1993, which reached #58 on the UK Singles Chart and has since become a cult favourite among collectors of the classic Stock Aitken Waterman sound.
Later, Suzette would collaborate with Grammy Award–winning producer David Foster, who signed her to his 143 Records label, further cementing her reputation as a world-class vocalist.
Today, Suzette Charles continues to bring grace, glamour, and soulful sophistication to every stage she graces. Reuniting with producer Mike Stock, she returns with a brand-new studio project — a celebration of timeless pop craftsmanship, vocal artistry, and the enduring spirit that has defined her journey from Philadelphia prodigy to international performer.