Stevie Nicks facts: Fleetwood Mac singer's age, songs, family and career explained

15 July 2024, 12:18 | Updated: 16 July 2024, 15:18

Stevie Nicks is a true icon of rock music, known for her distinctive voice and mystical stage presence.

Born in 1948, she shot to fame as a member of Fleetwood Mac, where her songwriting and unique style helped define the band’s sound.

Hits like ‘Rhiannon’ and ‘Landslide’ showcased her poetic lyrics and emotive performances, earning her legions of fans.

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Beyond Fleetwood Mac, Stevie’s solo career flourished with albums like Bella Donna, proving she could stand on her own. Her influence spans generations, with her music continuing to resonate with both old and new fans.

Stevie’s enduring appeal lies in her ability to blend rock with a touch of the ethereal, making her a beloved figure in music history. She’s not just a rock star; she’s a legend who continues to inspire with her talent and timeless charm.

1. How old is Stevie Nicks?

   

   Stevie Nicks is 76 years old as of 2024, having been born on May 26, 1948. She was born in Phoenix, Arizona.

   Her parents are Jess Nicks, a corporate executive, and Barbara Nicks, a homemaker. Stevie has one sibling, a younger brother named Christopher Nicks.

   Growing up in a supportive family, she developed her love for music early on, with her grandfather teaching her to sing and play guitar.

2. How did she get her start in music and when did she join Fleetwood Mac?

   

   Stevie Nicks got her start in music during her high school years, performing in local bands and honing her skills as a singer and songwriter.

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   She met Lindsey Buckingham in the late 1960s while they were both in high school, and the two formed a musical partnership. They joined a band called Fritz, which gained some local popularity.

   After Fritz disbanded, Stevie and Lindsey continued working together, eventually releasing an album as a duo titled Buckingham Nicks in 1973. While the album didn't achieve commercial success, it caught the attention of Mick Fleetwood.

   

   In 1975, Fleetwood invited Stevie and Lindsey to join Fleetwood Mac, looking to revitalise the band's lineup, alongside John McVie and Christine McVie.

   This move proved to be a game-changer, leading to the creation of one of the most successful lineups in rock history. Stevie's contributions to the band were immediate and significant, with her songs and distinctive voice helping to propel Fleetwood Mac to international fame.

3. What songs did she write for Fleetwood Mac?

   

   Fleetwood Mac - Dreams (Official Music Video) [4K Remaster]

   Stevie Nicks wrote several iconic songs for Fleetwood Mac. Some of her most famous contributions include:

   1. 'Rhiannon' - A mystical track inspired by Welsh mythology, it's one of her most recognisable songs.

   2. 'Landslide' - A heartfelt ballad reflecting on life and change, it's a fan favourite and widely covered by other artists.

   3. 'Dreams' - The band's only number-one hit in the United States, it's a smooth, introspective song from the Rumours album.

   4. 'Sara' - A deeply personal and poetic song, showcasing her unique lyrical style.

   5. 'Gold Dust Woman' - Another standout from Rumours, it's a haunting and powerful song with dark, introspective themes.

   6. 'Gypsy' - A nostalgic song reflecting on her early days and the journey to fame.

4. What has she done outside Fleetwood Mac?

   

   Stevie Nicks - Edge of Seventeen (Official Music Video)

   Outside of Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks has had a highly successful solo career. She released her first solo album, Bella Donna, in 1981, which was a massive hit and included popular songs like 'Edge of Seventeen' and 'Stop Draggin' My Heart Around' (a duet with Tom Petty).

   Stevie continued to release successful solo albums throughout the years, including The Wild Heart, Rock a Little, and Trouble in Shangri-La. These albums featured hits like 'Stand Back', 'Talk to Me', and 'Planets of the Universe'.

   In addition to her music career, Stevie has made notable appearances in popular culture. She had a memorable guest role on the TV show American Horror Story, playing a fictionalised version of herself.

   Her distinctive style and persona have also influenced fashion, with her bohemian look becoming iconic.

   Stevie's contributions to music have been widely recognised, earning her numerous awards and accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice—first as a member of Fleetwood Mac and later as a solo artist.

5. Has she ever been married and had kids?

   Stevie Nicks has never been married and does not have any children.

   She has had a few notable relationships, including with Lindsey Buckingham, her Fleetwood Mac bandmate, and musician Don Henley of the Eagles.

   Stevie has spoken candidly about her choices, explaining that her dedication to her music career and the demanding nature of the industry made it difficult to balance a traditional family life.

   “It’s like, do you want to be an artist and a writer, or a wife and a lover? With kids, your focus changes. I don’t want to go to PTA meetings," she once told the Guardian.