"So who is Stevie Nicks?...behind the mask, under all of those layers of chiffon and cashmere and gossamer dreams? Ask anyone and they'll have a different impression. Potent symbol of feminism as well as femininity. Mystical lady from the mountains. Soft-focus California dream girl. Hedonist. Witch. Strong and powerful. Frail and child-like. In need of solitude. In need of attention. Hard. Soft. Maybe she's all these things. Maybe she's something else" (Howe, 2014).
After the mystical opening of 'Rhiannon', which consists of a strong bass riff and a light beat of a drum, the unique, husky voice of Stephanie Lynn Nicks immediately takes flight. Rather known to us as the legendary "Stevie" Nicks. This song is a perfect demonstration of that juxtaposing delicate but strong voice which can be recognised anywhere.
A rock legend who collectively, with both her solo music and work as a member of Fleetwood Mac, has sold over 140 million records, making her one of the best selling music acts of all time with Fleetwood Mac.
She spent her childhood immersed in fairy tales told by her mother and living in her own musical world. It was when she was a senior in high school she met her future musical and romantic partner, Lindsey Buckingham. The two young lovers spent the early 70's writing together as a duo and recorded demo tapes, it was during this time that Nicks wrote 'Rhiannon' and 'Landslide'. It would be later that year when Mick Fleetwood called.
The duo joined Fleetwood Mac in January 1975, six weeks after drummer Mick Fleetwood had heard one of Nicks and Buckingham's tracks. The band would achieve worldwide success the same year with the album Fleetwood Mac, however this led to increasing tension between Nicks and Buckingham and Nicks later ended the relationship. In 1976 the band released Rumours and the following year Nicks and Fleetwood began a secret affair. The affair didn't last long however, as the couple mutually decided to end it due to the negative affects it would cause.
The band continued to create music until the early 2000's, with albums such as Tusk (1979) and Tango in the Night (1987). Nicks also released many studio albums during the rest of Fleetwood Mac's career. Rolling Stone solidified her place as a rock goddess after the release of her solo debut, Bella Donna, calling her 'the reigning queen of rock and roll'.
Her legacy is extraordinary, "people try to describe Stevie Nicks, we link her immediately to song titles and her lyrics, all of which are miniature poetic autobiographies of who she was at the time". (Howe, 2014). Although she suffered much turmoil in the band, there is no denying her passion for music. Overcoming a drug addiction as well as addressing failing relationships, with the people she referred to as family, are brave and unfathomable experiences to tackle whilst being in one of the biggest rock bands in the world; but nothing would destroy them, Fleetwood Mac are timeless.
She is a diamond whose voice is of an angel, she remains the queen of rock and roll, Stevie Nicks your ora is infinite.
Bibliography:
Howe, Z. (2014). Stevie Nicks: Visions, Dreams and Rumours. United Kingdom: Omnibus Press.
