Susanna Hoffs is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist, best known as a co-founder of the all-female band The Bangles. Born on January 17, 1959, in Los Angeles, California, Hoffs grew up in a creative household. Her mother, Tamar Simon Hoffs, was a filmmaker, and her father was a psychoanalyst. Raised in a family with strong artistic influences, Hoffs gravitated toward music at an early age. She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1980 with a degree in art.
In 1981, Hoffs co-founded The Bangles with sisters Vicki and Debbi Peterson. Originally known as The Bangs, they emerged from the Los Angeles Paisley Underground scene, which was known for its fusion of 1960s rock and psychedelia. With Hoffs as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, The Bangles became one of the most successful pop-rock bands of the 1980s.
The band achieved widespread fame with hits like “Manic Monday,” written by Prince, “Walk Like an Egyptian,” and the ballad “Eternal Flame,” which showcased Hoffs’ distinctive voice. “Walk Like an Egyptian” became a number-one hit in 1986, and “Eternal Flame” topped charts worldwide in 1989. These songs not only solidified The Bangles’ place in pop music history but also cemented Hoffs’ reputation as a talented and charismatic frontwoman.
Despite their success, The Bangles disbanded in 1989, with Hoffs launching a solo career soon after. Her first solo album, When You’re a Boy (1991), included the single “My Side of the Bed.” While her solo work didn’t match the commercial success of The Bangles, Hoffs continued to release music, including the critically acclaimed album Someday (2012).
Hoffs reunited with The Bangles in 1999, and the group has continued to perform and release new music since. In addition to her work with the band, she has pursued other artistic endeavors, including acting and collaborating with musician Matthew Sweet on a series of cover albums.
Hoffs remains an iconic figure in rock music, admired for her unique voice, songwriting talent, and influence on women in music. She continues to perform and record, keeping The Bangles’ legacy alive while pursuing new creative projects.