In each episode of My Life in Jazz, Glenn Zottola revisits the musical milestones and iconic figures that shaped his six-decade career. This chapter shines a light on a perhaps unexpected jazz companion: actress and entertainer Suzanne Somers.
While best known for her role on Three’s Company, Suzanne had a deep and genuine love for jazz. Their collaboration began unexpectedly—Glenn was visiting a rehearsal in L.A. when he asked to sit in with her trio. They played But Beautiful, and the moment sparked something rare.
She literally melted,” Glenn recalls. “She said, ‘I want you as my bandleader.’
At first, Glenn declined—he was touring Europe with his own group. But Suzanne’s offer wasn’t to back her up—it was a creative partnership. They went on to perform together for seven years, including high-profile shows in Las Vegas and television appearances from Universal Studios. Remarkably, the show was done without sheet music—night after night, entirely improvised.
She only ever said, Just do your Glenn thing. That was it. Total trust.
Suzanne brought the glamour and charm of a Vegas headliner, but her heart was rooted in jazz. She’d listen to Carmen McRae, she’d dive into the phrasing, and she wasn’t afraid to scat sing alongside Glenn’s saxophone—even in high-altitude venues like Denver, where he nearly passed out from holding a note too long.
This episode features two standout tracks from their collaboration:
- But Beautiful – the song that started it all.
- Sing, Sing, Sing – with playful call-and-response between Glenn and Suzanne, capturing their energy on stage.
She was a quick study,” Glenn says. “And she truly loved the music.
🎧 Tune in to hear how this television icon became a surprising and unforgettable partner in jazz.
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