Ruby Cornelius takes a closer look at The Fleetwood Mac singer-songwriter
From being the first female rockstar to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, to being one of the most successful women in the rock industry for over five decades, Stevie Nicks is the star that can do it all.
Her humble start in the music industry with partner Lindsay Buckingham, in their duo ‘Buckingham Nicks’, was not a success initially. Their only eponymous album was released in September 1973 and did not reach the level of success the duo did in their subsequent career in the band Fleetwood Mac. Nicks’ engagement with her music career began during her time in high school, a true insight into her dedication and commitment to her art.
After joining rock band ‘Fleetwood Mac’ in 1974, Nicks began to prove to the world that she was not going to settle for second best. Her original songs ‘Rhiannon’ and ‘Landslide’ featured on the band’s tenth studio album which has aged to become one of the best albums of all time. ‘Rhiannon’ was named one of the ‘500 Greatest Songs of All Time’ by Rolling Stone magazine, spurring Nicks into a new era of discovering her self-image and proving that she could dominate a sexist and primarily masculine field as an extremely successful female rock star. Above all, Nicks has a captivating voice with astounding live vocals which uplift the audience, almost radiating her ethereal personality with every note. Her incredibly powerful voice pushed ‘Rumours’ to a new level, establishing her as a truly vital member of the band, with arguably the strongest and most unique voice of the 1970s.
At this time, Nicks worked with designer Margi Kent to improve her onstage look and create an individual and authentic image – a bohemian style, with long lace skirts, shawls, bell sleeves and chunky boots. With a height of only 5’1, Nicks embraced the lengthy skirts and iconic shawls to maximize her stage presence. This authentic ‘Stevie’ look is genuine and exciting, making her a trendsetter for decades to come.
Nicks’ fashion is not her only influential strength: her music has been inspiring artists across genres and generations, with her incredible musical talents flowing effortlessly into new art. Artists such as Taylor Swift, The Chicks (formerly The Dixie Chicks), Destiny’s Child, and of course pop – icon Harry Styles. Nicks and Styles share a unique friendship, with Styles expressing his lifelong admiration for his rock icon as he inducted her into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019 and performed with her at Hyde Park in 2024 as a tribute to late Fleetwood Mac member, Christine McVie. This plethora of young and influential artists proves that Nicks is timeless in her effortless transcendence into mainstream media.
If Nicks couldn’t get any better, she is a sensational addition to charities supporting a range of causes such as women’s rights, cancer research, and advocating for all Americans to cast their vote in elections. Notably, Nicks has raised a significant amount of awareness for the war in Ukraine, creating a single with Dave Stuart of Eurythmics to call for more support for the ongoing war – despite Stevie commenting that she refuses to be ‘pulled into the politics of war’. Nicks has also been visiting wounded soldiers since 2004. Her incredibly humanitarian approach is inspiring not only to fans but also to the world, encouraging love and support for all – asserting herself as a highly valued role model.
Stevie Nicks’ impact on the world is immeasurable. As more than just a rock star, she has created a lasting impact on the music world, left a ‘Leather and Lace’ imprint on the fashion world and unforgettably contributed to charities across the world. She is a long-lasting icon for women and paired with her poetic songwriting and individual flair she will always be a strong woman paving the way for positive change in the world.
