Stephanie Lynn Nicks, known as Stevie Nicks, is a celebrated American singer-songwriter. She is widely recognized for her contributions to the renowned rock band Fleetwood Mac and her successful solo career. Her distinctive voice, mystical stage presence, and poetic songwriting have captivated audiences worldwide, solidifying her status as a music icon.
Stephanie Lynn Nicks was born on May 26, 1948.
In 1966, Stephen Stills wrote "For What It's Worth," which was recorded by Buffalo Springfield.
In 1966, Stevie Nicks began her romantic relationship with Lindsey Buckingham, which lasted for over a decade.
In mid-1967, Lindsey Buckingham asked Stevie Nicks to replace the lead singer in his psychedelic rock band Fritz.
From 1968 until 1970, Fritz opened for Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, inspiring Stevie Nicks's stage presence and performance style.
In 1970, Fritz stopped opening for Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin.
Fritz disbanded in 1972.
In 1972, while Lindsey Buckingham toured with the Everly Brothers, Stevie Nicks wrote 'Rhiannon' after encountering the name in Mary Leader's novel Triad and 'Landslide' inspired by the scenery of Aspen and her relationship with Buckingham.
Nicks and Buckingham released their first album as a duo, Buckingham Nicks, in 1973. However, the album was not commercially successful.
On December 31, 1974, Mick Fleetwood invited Lindsey Buckingham to join the band after hearing the Buckingham Nicks track 'Frozen Love.' Buckingham insisted that Nicks and he were a package deal, and Fleetwood Mac agreed, realizing their potential to enhance the band's sound.
In 1975, Fleetwood Mac achieved worldwide success with their album 'Fleetwood Mac,' featuring Nicks's hit 'Rhiannon.'
In 1975, Stevie Nicks joined Fleetwood Mac, marking the beginning of a successful partnership that would contribute to the band becoming one of the best-selling music acts of all time.
In 1976, Fleetwood Mac began recording their album 'Rumours.' During this time, Nicks and Buckingham also provided backing vocals for Warren Zevon's self-titled second album.
Stevie Nicks originally wrote "Secret Love" in 1976 and recorded a demo of it for Fleetwood Mac's 1977 album, Rumours, but it did not make the final cut.
After a concert in New Zealand in November 1977, Nicks and Fleetwood began a secret affair despite Fleetwood's marriage. Nicks ended the affair quickly, recognizing the complications and potential damage to the band.
Fleetwood Mac toured extensively from 1977 to 1978 following the success of their album "Rumours."
In 1977, Fleetwood Mac released their second album featuring Nicks and Buckingham, "Rumours," which became the best-selling album of the year, reaching number one on the American albums chart for 31 weeks.
In 1977, Stevie Nicks wrote and recorded the song Silver Springs.
In 1977, Stevie Nicks' relationship with Lindsey Buckingham ended after more than a decade together.
In October 1978, Mick Fleetwood left his wife, Jenny Boyd, for Nicks's friend, Sara Recor.
In 1978, Stevie Nicks won a Grammy Award for Album of the Year as a member of Fleetwood Mac for the album 'Rumours'.
In 1978, during the making of "Tusk," Nicks contributed backup vocals to Walter Egan's album, "Not Shy," produced by Lindsey Buckingham. The single "Magnet and Steel," inspired by Nicks and featuring her vocals, became a Billboard Hot 100 hit.
In 1978, Stevie Nicks won a Grammy Award for Album of the Year with Fleetwood Mac for their album 'Rumours'.
In 1978, Stevie Nicks had a brief romantic involvement with Mick Fleetwood.
In 1978, Fleetwood Mac won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year for "Rumours."
Fleetwood Mac began recording their third album with Nicks and Buckingham, "Tusk," in the spring of 1978.
Around 1978, Stevie Nicks, frightened by the witchcraft rumors, stopped wearing black clothing and opted for colors like apricot and seafoam green.
Fleetwood Mac released their third album with Nicks and Buckingham, "Tusk," on October 19, 1979.
In 1979, Nicks recorded the hit duet "Gold" with John Stewart.
In 1979, Stevie Nicks had a romantic relationship with Eagles drummer/vocalist Don Henley and experienced an abortion after becoming pregnant by him.
While working on "Tusk" and touring in 1979, Nicks wrote and recorded demos for a solo project. She partnered with Danny Goldberg and Paul Fishkin to found Modern Records for releasing her material.
In 1980, Stevie Nicks began a relationship with Jimmy Iovine, who produced her album "Bella Donna." Their relationship lasted for about a year.
Nicks's first solo album, "Bella Donna," was released on July 27, 1981, achieving critical and commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard 200 chart, and being recognized by Rolling Stone as the "Reigning Queen of Rock and Roll."
Nicks started her first solo tour, the White Winged Dove tour, in November 1981 but had to cut it short due to recording commitments for Fleetwood Mac's album, "Mirage."
In 1981, Stevie Nicks built her home in Paradise Valley, Arizona, where she lived with her brother, Christopher Nicks, his wife Lori Perry-Nicks, and their daughter, Nicks' niece, Jessica.
In 1981, Stevie Nicks launched her solo career while remaining a member of Fleetwood Mac. Her debut solo album, Bella Donna, topped the Billboard 200 chart, achieving multi-platinum status.
In 1981, Nicks made guest appearances on tour with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers for their album "Hard Promises."
Fleetwood Mac started recording their album "Mirage" in late 1981.
By 1982, feeling unhappy with the new colors, Stevie Nicks resumed wearing black.
Fleetwood Mac continued recording their album "Mirage" into early 1982.
Fleetwood Mac released their 13th studio album, Mirage, in 1982. The album features the song "Gypsy," in which Stevie Nicks mentions the Velvet Underground, a San Francisco boutique known for its rockstar clientele, as the origin of her iconic style.
On the same day that "Bella Donna" reached number one on the charts in 1982, Nicks learned that her friend, Robin Anderson, had been diagnosed with leukemia and had only three months to live. Following Anderson's death, Nicks married her widower, Kim Anderson, but they divorced three months later.
Nicks released her second solo album, "The Wild Heart," on June 10, 1983, which reached number five on the Billboard 200 chart and went double platinum.
In June 1983, Nicks kicked off her U.S. tour for "The Wild Heart" album.
Nicks wrapped up her U.S. tour for "The Wild Heart" album in November 1983.
Nicks performed "Stand Back" and "Nightbird" on Saturday Night Live in December 1983.
In 1983, Stevie Nicks expressed her frustration with the persistent witchcraft rumors and reiterated her preference for black clothing for its slimming effect.
The original version of "Stand Back" peaked at number five on the pop singles chart in 1983.
In 1983, Stevie Nicks married Kim Anderson, the widower of her best friend Robin Anderson, who had died of leukemia. They married shortly after Anderson's death and during the success of Nicks' album "Bella Donna." Nicks later revealed that the marriage was a "terrible mistake" driven by grief, and they divorced after only three months.
In 1983, Stevie Nicks began a relationship with Joe Walsh, guitarist for the Eagles and James Gang.
Following the tour for The Wild Heart, Nicks commenced work on her third solo album in 1984. Originally titled Mirror Mirror, Nicks recorded songs for the album during this time.
In 1984, Stevie Nicks toured with Joe Walsh and wrote the song "Has Anyone Ever Written Anything for You?" about Walsh's deceased daughter.
Stevie Nicks released her third solo album, Rock a Little, on November 18, 1985. The album was a commercial success, supported by three successful singles.
Fleetwood Mac began work on Tango in the Night in late 1985.
Stevie Nicks toured for her album Rock a Little until October 1986. She also performed with Bob Dylan and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers during their tour in Australia.
In 1986, Stevie Nicks' relationship with Joe Walsh ended. Despite mutual drug abuse challenges, she later referred to him as one of her greatest loves.
Stevie Nicks was mostly unavailable to work on the album with the band except for a few weeks following her stay at the Betty Ford Center in 1986.
Fleetwood Mac's album Tango in the Night was released in April 1987. The album was the band's second-highest selling album ever, behind Rumours.
The band embarked on the Shake the Cage tour in September 1987, with Buckingham replaced by Rick Vito and Billy Burnette.
Stevie Nicks began taking Klonopin in 1987, prescribed by a psychiatrist to keep her from regressing to her former abuse of cocaine.
Fleetwood Mac released their Greatest Hits album in November 1988.
Also in 1988, Nicks began work on a fourth solo album with English record producer Rupert Hine.
The Other Side of the Mirror was released on May 11, 1989, to commercial success.
Stevie Nicks toured the U.S. and Europe from August to November 1989. This was the only time she has toured Europe as a solo act.
In 1989, Nicks set to work with Fleetwood Mac on Behind the Mask.
Fleetwood Mac released Behind the Mask in 1990 to moderate commercial success in the U.S.. In the UK, however, the album entered the chart at number one and was certified platinum. The band went on a world tour to promote the album.
On the 10th anniversary of her solo career debut, Nicks released Timespace: The Best of Stevie Nicks on September 3, 1991.
In 1991, Stevie Nicks filed for tax deductions, including $12,495 for makeup and hairstyling and $43,291 for professional clothing and maintenance.
During the 1992 U.S. presidential campaign, Bill Clinton used the Fleetwood Mac hit "Don't Stop" as his campaign theme song.
In 1992, "Silver Springs," a song written by Stevie Nicks about her relationship with Lindsey Buckingham, was included on Fleetwood Mac's four-disc retrospective album, "25 Years - The Chain."
Stevie Nicks began recording her fifth studio album, Street Angel, in 1992 using material written mostly in previous years.
In late 1993, while Nicks held a baby shower at her house, she tripped over a box, passed out, and cut her forehead near a fireplace. Realizing that she needed help, Nicks endured a painful 47-day detox in a hospital.
Nicks rejoined the classic Rumours line-up of the band (including Buckingham) to perform the song at Clinton's 1993 inaugural gala. No plans for an official reunion were made at that time.
Stevie Nicks continued recording Street Angel in 1993.
Following her successful detox, Nicks released her fifth solo album, Street Angel on May 23, 1994.
In 1994, the alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins released an acoustic cover of Stevie Nicks' song "Landslide" on their B-side collection "Pisces Iscariot."
Stevie Nicks continued to take Klonopin in increasing amounts by a psychiatrist until 1994.
Stevie Nicks began writing for her album Trouble in Shangri-La in 1994 as she recovered from Klonopin dependency, encouraged by Tom Petty.
In 1995, Stevie Nicks, who is 5 feet 1 inch (1.55 m) tall, revealed her fondness for 6-inch (15 cm) platform boots, which she adopted to compensate for the height difference with Mick Fleetwood. She continued to wear them even when they fell out of fashion because she didn't want to appear shorter. She also discussed her signature "witchy" style, which she refers to as her "uniform."
Stevie Nicks continued writing for her album Trouble in Shangri-La in 1995.
In 1996, Lindsey Buckingham's solo album work led to a Fleetwood Mac reunion. Stevie Nicks prepared for The Dance tour by working with a voice coach, dieting, and jogging.
In 1996, Stevie Nicks reunited with Lindsey Buckingham for the duet "Twisted" on the Twister soundtrack. She also contributed to the Boys on the Side soundtrack with "Somebody Stand by Me" and remade Tom Petty's "Free Fallin'" for the TV show Party of Five.
In 1997, Fleetwood Mac embarked on The Dance tour, marking the 20th anniversary of Rumours.
Stevie Nicks released her box set Enchanted on April 28, 1998, featuring liner notes, rare photographs, and journal entries. She supported the release with a U.S. tour.
In 1998, Fleetwood Mac received Grammy nominations for The Dance, including Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for "Silver Springs". They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received the Outstanding Contribution Award at the BRIT Awards.
In 1998, Stevie Nicks was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Fleetwood Mac.
Stevie Nicks released Trouble in Shangri-La on May 1, 2001, achieving critical and commercial success.
In May 2001, Stevie Nicks was named VH1's "Artist of the Month." She also received recognition in People magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People, appeared on Behind the Music, and performed on VH1 Storytellers.
In 2001, Destiny's Child sampled Stevie Nicks' song "Edge of Seventeen" in their number-one single "Bootylicious." Nicks appeared in the song's music video and an episode of MTV's "Making the Video," expressing her admiration for both the song and the group.
In 2001, Fleetwood Mac started working on a new studio album without Christine McVie.
Stevie Nicks reached number one on the Billboard Club chart with "Planets of the Universe" in 2001.
Fleetwood Mac released Say You Will in April 2003, achieving commercial success but mixed reviews. The band embarked on a world tour in support of the album.
In 2003, Stevie Nicks received the Grammy Hall of Fame Award.
In 2003, the Dixie Chicks' cover of Stevie Nicks' song "Landslide" achieved major success, becoming a top-10 hit, reaching number one on the Adult Contemporary and Country charts. Nicks received a BMI Songwriters Award for Song of the Year and the 35th Robert J. Burton Award for "Most Performed Country Song of the Year" due to the cover's popularity.
On April 30, 2013, Fleetwood Mac released their first new studio material since 2003's Say You Will via digital download on iTunes with the four-track EP, Extended Play containing three new songs and one new song from the Buckingham Nicks sessions ("Without You").
Fleetwood Mac's world tour for Say You Will ended in September 2004.
The documentary Destiny Rules, chronicling the making of Say You Will and the band's dynamics, was released on DVD in 2004.
In late 2004, Stevie Nicks started visiting Army and Navy medical centers in Washington, D.C., to visit wounded service members. To uplift their spirits and provide motivation, she decided to gift them hundreds of iPod Nanos, each loaded with music and playlists she personally selected and autographed.
In May 2005, Stevie Nicks had a four-night residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. She then embarked on the Two Voices tour with Don Henley.
In October 2005, Stevie Nicks attended the Melbourne Cup Week in Australia, where one of the horseracing stakes was named "The Stevie Nicks Plate" in her honor. She used this opportunity to promote her upcoming Gold Dust tour extension in Australia and New Zealand.
In 2005, Stevie Nicks collaborated with Deep Dish on a remix of her number-one song "Dreams," re-recording vocals for the track, which reached number two on the Billboard Hot Dance Airplay chart. American actress and singer Lindsay Lohan covered "Edge of Seventeen" on her second studio album, "A Little More Personal (Raw)".
In March 2006, Stevie Nicks toured Australia and New Zealand alongside popular Australian performer John Farnham, following her appearance at the Melbourne Cup Week and the naming of "The Stevie Nicks Plate" horse racing stake.
In October 2006, Stevie Nicks was the featured performer for Bette Midler's benefit function, Hulaween.
On March 2007, Tom Petty's Homecoming Concert in Gainesville, FL, featuring Stevie Nicks, was filmed for PBS Soundstage and released on DVD.
Reprise Records released Crystal Visions - The Very Best of Stevie Nicks on March 27, 2007. It debuted at number 21 on the Billboard 200.
Stevie Nicks started a tour with Chris Isaak on May 17, 2007, in Concord, California, to support Crystal Visions.
Reprise Records released a remix of "Stand Back" on May 29, 2007.
In July 2007, Stevie Nicks announced that she would be selling her Paradise Valley, Arizona home, citing a desire to "downsize" and prioritize her charity work. She acknowledged spending limited time at the property in the preceding year.
The "Stand Back" remix debuted on the Billboard Hot Singles Sales chart on September 15, 2007, at number 10. It also debuted on the Billboard Hot Dance Singles Sales chart at number three.
In 2007, Stevie Nicks reflected on her relationship with Joe Walsh, referring to him as one of her greatest loves, though their relationship ended due to mutual struggles with drug abuse.
In 2007, Stevie Nicks provided additional vocals for Vanessa Carlton's album, "Heroes and Thieves."
In 2007, Nicks gave an interview to The Telegraph discussing the emotional turmoil surrounding her friend Robin Anderson's death and brief marriage to Kim Anderson.
In 2008, Stevie Nicks embarked on the Soundstage Sessions tour in the U.S.
In late 2008, Fleetwood Mac announced that the band would tour in 2009, beginning in March. The tour was branded as a 'greatest hits' show titled "Unleashed".
On March 17, 2009, "Crash into Me", the first single from Stevie Nicks's album The Soundstage Sessions, was released as a digital download, along with "Landslide" (orchestra version) as a B-side.
On March 31, 2009, Stevie Nicks released her album, The Soundstage Sessions, via Reprise Records. The album debuted at number 47 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.
Fleetwood Mac began their "Unleashed" 'greatest hits' tour in 2009, as announced in late 2008.
In 2009, Stevie Nicks talked about her past cocaine use, claiming she was told it was recreational and not dangerous.
In 2009, a video recording of Stevie Nicks' Soundstage Sessions concert in Chicago was released as 'Live in Chicago'.
On January 31, 2010, Stevie Nicks performed with Taylor Swift at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards. Swift, who considers Nicks one of her childhood heroes, introduced Nicks as a "fairy tale" and an "honor" to share the stage with.
Stevie Nicks performed in a series of shows in August 2010. The Santa Barbara show benefited a young girl she had met through the Make-a-Wish Foundation in Los Angeles with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare cancer.
On January 13, 2011, Reprise announced Stevie Nicks's upcoming album In Your Dreams would be released on May 3, and the lead single, "Secret Love", would be released on February 8.
On March 20, 2011, Rod Stewart and Stevie Nicks launched the Heart & Soul Tour in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
On August 9, 2011, Stevie Nicks began her solo tour for 'In Your Dreams' in Denver, Colorado.
Stevie Nicks contributed a cover of Buddy Holly's "Not Fade Away" for the tribute album Listen to Me: Buddy Holly, released in September 2011.
Stevie Nicks's song "For What It's Worth" from her album In Your Dreams reached number 25 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart in September 2011.
Stevie Nicks continued her 'In Your Dreams' tour in Australia and New Zealand until December 2011, accompanied by Dave Stewart.
On March 29, 2012, Stevie Nicks made a guest appearance as herself on the NBC sitcom Up All Night. The show featured an excerpt of the 1981 track "Sleeping Angel", as well as new duets with both Maya Rudolph and Christina Applegate of "Whenever I Call You Friend" and "Edge of Seventeen".
In June 2012, Stevie Nicks resumed her 'In Your Dreams' tour.
On December 14, 2012, it was announced that Stevie Nicks would be featured on an original track done in collaboration with Dave Grohl for his Sound City soundtrack, alongside other artists.
On December 3, 2013, Stevie Nicks released the In Your Dreams documentary film on DVD. The DVD debuted at number seven on the Billboard Top Music Video sales chart and number 29 on the UK Music Video Top 40 chart.
On December 27, 2013, Stevie Nicks, an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church, officiated the wedding of Deer Tick singer John McCauley and singer-songwriter Vanessa Carlton.
In 2013, Fleetwood Mac toured again as a four-piece band throughout North America and Europe.
In 2013, Stevie Nicks discussed the threatening mail she received in the late 1970s, accusing her of witchcraft. She clarified that her preference for black clothing was for aesthetic reasons, not related to witchcraft.
In May 2014, Stevie Nicks was honored with a BMI Icon Award.
In July 2014, it was announced that Nicks would join The Voice as the adviser for Adam Levine's team.
In September 2014, Stevie Nicks released her eighth studio album, 24 Karat Gold: Songs from the Vault, which reached number seven on the Billboard 200. She also began a North American tour with Fleetwood Mac, now reunited with Christine McVie, the On with the Show tour.
In 2014, Stevie Nicks appeared on the third season of television series American Horror Story, Coven, in a role she reprised in the eighth season, Coven. She played a fictional version of herself, portraying a "white witch" with supernatural powers in three episodes. On the show, she performed the songs "Rhiannon", "Has Anyone Ever Written Anything for You?", "Seven Wonders", and "Gypsy".
In May 2015, Stevie Nicks reissued her album Crystal Visions – The Very Best of Stevie Nicks on "crystal clear" transparent double vinyl. The vinyl came with a vinyl messenger bag and a limited-edition lithograph.
Fleetwood Mac concluded their "On With the Show" tour in November 2015. The tour began in September 2014.
From 2016 to 2017, Stevie Nicks went on the 24 Karat Gold Tour.
Throughout 2016, Stevie Nicks toured with The Pretenders on the 24 Karat Gold Tour.
On April 26, 2017, it was announced that Stevie Nicks would collaborate with Lana Del Rey on her fifth studio album, Lust for Life.
On July 9, 2017, Stevie Nicks performed at the British Summer Time festival in Hyde Park in London, supporting Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
On July 21, 2017, Lana Del Rey's fifth studio album, Lust for Life, was released. The album featured a track titled "Beautiful People Beautiful Problems," with Stevie Nicks.
In October 2017, Stevie Nicks performed "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" with Tom Petty as part of the Heartbreakers' set at the British Summer Time Festival, marking their last performance of the song together before Tom Petty's death.
Throughout 2017, Stevie Nicks toured with The Pretenders on the 24 Karat Gold Tour.
By 2017, "Rumours" had sold over 45 million copies worldwide, becoming one of the best-selling albums of all time.
From 2016 to 2017, Stevie Nicks went on the 24 Karat Gold Tour.
In April 2018, Lindsey Buckingham was fired from Fleetwood Mac. Stevie Nicks helped recruit his replacements, Mike Campbell of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Neil Finn of Crowded House.
In October 2018, Stevie Nicks was nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, alongside fifteen other artists.
On December 13, 2018, Stevie Nicks was announced as one of seven inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class of 2019, making her the first woman to be inducted twice into the hall.
In April 2019, Stevie Nicks was elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist, making her the first woman to be inducted twice, having previously been inducted as a member of Fleetwood Mac.
In 2019, Fleetwood Mac, with its reworked lineup, embarked on a world tour entitled An Evening with Fleetwood Mac.
In 2019, Stevie Nicks was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for the second time, marking a historic milestone as the first woman to achieve this honor.
In 2019, Stevie Nicks was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the second time, this time as a solo artist. This made her the only woman to be inducted twice.
In September 2020, Stevie Nicks released a live album and concert film with recordings from the 24 Karat Gold Tour (2016–2017), directed by Joe Thomas.
On October 9, 2020, Stevie Nicks released "Show Them the Way," her first new music in six years. The accompanying music video was directed by Cameron Crowe.
In December 2020, Primary Wave, a music publishing company, bought an 80% stake in Stevie Nicks' song catalog for an estimated US$100 million, according to The Wall Street Journal.
In 2020, Stevie Nicks revealed in an interview with The Guardian that she had reunited with her stepson, Kim Anderson's son, when he was a teenager, supporting him through college. She has maintained contact with him and is referred to as "Grandma Stevie" by his daughter, who is named Robin after her late mother.
On May 27, 2021, Stevie Nicks headlined the 2021 Shaky Knees Music Festival in Atlanta, Georgia.
In August 2021, Stevie Nicks canceled five scheduled solo appearances due to concerns about COVID-19.
On August 31, 2022, the virtual band Gorillaz revealed the tracklist for their album Cracker Island, which would feature Stevie Nicks on its second track, "Oil."
In September 2022, Stevie Nicks released her version of "For What It's Worth." Nicks shared that the song, written in 1966 by Stephen Stills and originally recorded by Buffalo Springfield, remained relevant, and she wanted to offer a woman's perspective on it.
On February 24, 2023, Gorillaz released their album "Cracker Island," featuring Stevie Nicks on the track "Oil."
In 2023, Stevie Nicks and Billy Joel will embark on a series of concerts across the United States.
On April 19, 2024, singer-songwriter Taylor Swift released her 11th studio album, "The Tortured Poets Department," which included a song titled "Clara Bow" referencing Stevie Nicks. The lyrics compare someone's appearance to Nicks in 1975. Nicks also contributed a poem for the physical copies of the album.