Biography
Stevie Nicks, born May 26, 1948 in Phoenix, Arizona, is an American singer-songwriter renowned for her distinctive voice, poetic lyrics, and mystical stage persona. Raised in a musical family, Nicks began singing at a young age and formed her first band, Fritz, in high school, performing alongside future collaborator Lindsey Buckingham. After recording the album 'Buckingham Nicks' as a duo, the pair joined Fleetwood Mac in 1975, catalyzing the band's transformation into one of the most successful acts in rock history. Their first album together, 'Fleetwood Mac' (1975), and the follow-up, 'Rumours' (1977), became massive commercial and critical successes, with 'Rumours' selling over 21 million copies in the US alone and winning the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
Nicks launched her solo career in 1981 with the album 'Bella Donna,' which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and produced enduring hits such as 'Edge of Seventeen' and 'Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around.' Throughout the 1980s and beyond, she balanced her solo work with ongoing contributions to Fleetwood Mac, releasing a string of platinum albums and touring extensively. Nicks is celebrated for her ethereal songwriting, blending rock, pop, and folk influences, and for her influence on generations of artists. She is the first woman to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice: with Fleetwood Mac in 1998 and as a solo artist in 2019.
Nicks’s legacy is marked by her resilience through personal and professional challenges, including struggles with addiction and tumultuous relationships within Fleetwood Mac. Her enduring appeal lies in her ability to channel vulnerability and strength into her music, making her a revered figure in rock and pop culture.
Fun Facts
- Stevie Nicks is the first woman to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice: once with Fleetwood Mac and once as a solo artist.
- She wrote the Fleetwood Mac hit 'Dreams' in about 10 minutes during a recording session break.
- Nicks is known for her signature style, including flowing shawls, platform boots, and a mystical, bohemian aesthetic.
- Before joining Fleetwood Mac, she and Lindsey Buckingham struggled financially, with Nicks working as a waitress and house cleaner to support their music.
Associated Acts
- Buckingham Nicks - eponymous, lead vocals, original (1972–1974)
- Fleetwood Mac - lead vocals (1975–1990)
- Fleetwood Mac - keyboard, lead vocals (1997–present)
- Sound City Players
- Sincerely, San Jose
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Janis Joplin - Inspirational influence on Nicks’s vocal style and stage presence, admired for her emotional delivery. (N/A (influence rather than direct collaboration)) [1960s–1970s]
- Joni Mitchell - Influenced Nicks’s songwriting and lyrical approach, especially in poetic storytelling. (N/A (influence rather than direct collaboration)) [1970s]
Key Collaborators
- Lindsey Buckingham - Musical and romantic partner; co-founded Buckingham Nicks and joined Fleetwood Mac together. (Buckingham Nicks (1973), Fleetwood Mac albums (1975–1987, 1997–2018)) [1970s–2018]
- Fleetwood Mac (Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Christine McVie) - Bandmates in Fleetwood Mac, co-wrote and performed on classic albums. (Fleetwood Mac, Rumours, Tusk, Mirage, Tango in the Night, The Dance, Say You Will) [1975–2019]
- Tom Petty - Duet partner and collaborator on solo work. (Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around (Bella Donna, 1981)) [1981]
- Don Henley - Collaborator and romantic partner; duet on solo album. (Leather and Lace (Bella Donna, 1981)) [1981]
- Sheryl Crow - Co-writer, guest vocalist, and producer on solo projects. (Trouble in Shangri-La (2001)) [2001]
Artists Influenced
- Florence Welch (Florence + The Machine) - Cites Nicks as a major influence on vocal style and stage persona. (Ceremonials, How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful) [2010s–present]
- HAIM - Inspired by Nicks’s songwriting and harmonies; collaborated live. (Women in Music Pt. III, live performances) [2010s–present]
- Taylor Swift - Influenced by Nicks’s confessional songwriting and storytelling. (Red, 1989, folklore) [2010s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| The Lockdown Sessions | 2021-10-22 | Album |
| Bella Donna (2016 Remastered) | 1981-07-27 | Album |
| The Lockdown Sessions | 2021-10-22 | Album |
| The Lockdown Sessions | 2021-10-22 | Album |
| Lust For Life | 2017-07-21 | Album |
| JORDI (Deluxe) | 2021-06-11 | Album |
| Plastic Hearts | 2020-11-27 | Album |
| Bella Donna (Deluxe Edition) | 2016-11-04 | Album |
| The Lockdown Sessions | 2021-10-22 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Edge of Seventeen - 2016 Remaster (Bella Donna (2016 Remastered))
- Edge of Seventeen
- Stop Draggin' My Heart Around (with Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers) - 2016 Remaster (Bella Donna (2016 Remastered))
- Edge of Midnight (Midnight Sky Remix) (feat. Stevie Nicks) (Plastic Hearts)
- Beautiful People Beautiful Problems (feat. Stevie Nicks) (Lust For Life)
- Stand Back
- Edge of Seventeen - 2016 Remaster (Bella Donna (Deluxe Edition))
- Oil (feat. Stevie Nicks) (Cracker Island)
- Rooms on Fire (The Other Side of the Mirror)
- Leather and Lace - 2016 Remaster (Bella Donna (2016 Remastered))
External Links
Tags: #country-rock, #pop, #pop-rock
References
Heard on WWOZ
Stevie Nicks has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 20, 2025 | 23:54 | Not Fade Away | Kitchen Sinkw/ Jennifer Brady |