Susan Cadogan

NTS Don't Assume with Zakia

A short-sighted librarian who prides herself on being responsible, reliable and getting home early, Anne ‘Susan’ Cadogan might have been a surprising match for the legendary producer Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry. But it was her version of Hurt So Good, produced by Scratch in 1975, that saw Susan catapult to fame. As the song rose up the UK charts, Susan found herself on a flight out of Jamaica and booked to appear on Top of the Pops.

It was her first brush with pop stardom but Susan was determined to do it her way. She refused to wear the revealing clothes pushed by the costume department, refused their choreographed dance moves, and barely wore any make up. Her performance remains one of the most arresting of the time, foreshadowing the arrival of the Lovers Rock scene.

Susan is a brilliant storyteller. In this interview with Zakia she discusses her split personality between Anne, the dedicated librarian, and Susan, the performer, the early days of the Black Ark studio, passing the chalice with John Holt, and whether there might be love on the cards with the original writer of Hurt So Good.

Like many Jamaican performers, Susan never received any royalties for Hurt So Good. She discusses her frustrations around the music industry but how she still holds our hope for a cheque in the post. Despite that and the physical challenges of older age, Susan is still performing. In this sparkling interview Susan proves herself to be equal parts steely and sweet. Watch out toyboys.

Presenter - Zakia Sewell

Producer - Alannah Chance

Music composition - Jennifer Walton

Mix-Mastering - Sol King

Exec Producer - Lizzy King for NTS

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