Stevie Nicks facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Stevie Nicks
Nicks performing in 2017
Born	Stephanie Lynn Nicks (1948-05-26) May 26, 1948 (age 77) Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
Alma mater	San Jose State University
Occupation	Singer songwriter
Years active	1966–present
Spouse(s)	Kim Anderson ​ ​ (m. 1983; div. 1983)​
Partner(s)	Lindsey Buckingham (1972–1976) Don Henley (1977–1978) Joe Walsh (1983–1986)
Musical career
Genres	Rock pop folk
Instruments	Vocals tambourine
Labels	Atlantic Modern Reprise WEA Warner Bros.
Signature

Stephanie Lynn Nicks (born May 26, 1948) is an American singer and songwriter. She is famous for her work with the band Fleetwood Mac. She also has a very successful career as a solo artist.

Stevie Nicks started her music journey as a duo with her boyfriend, Lindsey Buckingham. Their album Buckingham Nicks did not become a big hit. In 1975, Nicks joined Fleetwood Mac. This helped the band become one of the biggest-selling music groups ever. They have sold over 120 million records worldwide.

Rumours, Fleetwood Mac's second album with Nicks, became one of the best-selling albums worldwide. It sold so much that it was certified 20 times platinum in the U.S. In 1981, while still with Fleetwood Mac, Nicks started her solo career. Her first solo album, Bella Donna, reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart. It also sold millions of copies.

She has released eight solo albums and seven with Fleetwood Mac. She has sold a total of 65 million copies in the U.S. alone. After her first solo album, Rolling Stone magazine called her the "Reigning Queen of Rock and Roll". Rolling Stone also named her one of the 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time. She was also listed as one of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.

Her Fleetwood Mac songs "Landslide", "Rhiannon", and "Dreams" are very popular. "Dreams" was the band's only number one hit in the U.S. Her solo hit "Edge of Seventeen" is also famous. All these songs are on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Stevie Nicks is the first woman to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. First, she joined as a member of Fleetwood Mac in 1998. Then, she was inducted as a solo artist in 2019. She has received many awards with Fleetwood Mac. This includes a Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1978 for Rumours.

The albums Fleetwood Mac, Rumours, and Bella Donna are on Billboard's "Greatest of All Time Billboard 200 Albums" chart. Rumours was also ranked the seventh-greatest album of all time by Rolling Stone. It was also named the fourth-greatest album by female artists.

Life and Music Journey

Early Life and First Steps in Music (1948–1971)

Stephanie "Stevie" Nicks was born in Phoenix, Arizona. Her parents were Jess and Barbara Nicks. Stevie has German, English, Welsh, and Irish family roots.

Her grandfather, Aaron Jess "A.J." Nicks Sr., taught her to sing duets when she was four. Stevie's mother loved fairy tales and encouraged her daughter's imagination. As a toddler, Stephanie pronounced her name "tee-dee," which became her nickname "Stevie."

Her father's job meant the family moved often. They lived in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and California. For her 16th birthday, Nicks received a Goya guitar. She wrote her first song, "I've Loved and I've Lost, and I'm Sad but Not Blue." She spent her teen years listening to music constantly.

While at Arcadia High School, she joined her first band, the Changing Times. It was a folk rock band known for its vocal harmonies. Nicks met Lindsey Buckingham, who would become her musical and romantic partner, in her senior year. She saw him play "California Dreamin'" and joined him in harmony.

Buckingham was in a band called Fritz. He asked Nicks to join in 1967. Fritz later opened for famous artists like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. Nicks says these artists inspired her stage presence. Both Nicks and Buckingham attended San José State University. Nicks studied speech communication and planned to be an English teacher. With her father's support, she left college to focus on music with Buckingham.

Buckingham Nicks and Joining Fleetwood Mac (1972–1978)

After Fritz broke up in 1972, Nicks and Buckingham continued writing songs together. They made demo tapes at night. They signed a deal with Polydor Records, and their album Buckingham Nicks was released in 1973. The album did not sell well, and Polydor dropped them.

With no money from music, Nicks worked several jobs. She waited tables and cleaned houses. During this time, Nicks wrote "Rhiannon" after seeing the name in a novel. She also wrote "Landslide". This song was inspired by the scenery of Aspen and her changing relationship with Buckingham.

In late 1974, drummer Mick Fleetwood heard a Buckingham Nicks song. He was looking for a new guitarist for Fleetwood Mac. He remembered Buckingham's guitar playing. On December 31, 1974, Fleetwood invited Buckingham to join the band. Buckingham said he would only join if Nicks joined too. The band agreed, and the new members added a pop sound to the band's blues-rock style.

Nicks in 1977

In 1975, Fleetwood Mac became very successful with their album Fleetwood Mac. Nicks' song "Rhiannon" was voted one of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time by Rolling Stone. Her live performances of the song were very powerful. "Landslide" also became a big hit from the album.

Nicks started working with designer Margi Kent to create her unique stage look. Her costumes had a gypsy-like style with flowing skirts, shawls, and platform boots. While Nicks and Buckingham found success, their personal relationship ended.

Fleetwood Mac began recording their next album, Rumours, in early 1976. Nicks' song "Dreams" became the band's only number-one hit single on the Billboard Hot 100. Nicks also wrote "Silver Springs". This song was not put on the album at first because it was too long. It was later released as a B-side.

Rumours was the best-selling album of 1977. By 2017, it had sold over 45 million copies worldwide. It stayed at number one on the American album chart for 31 weeks. The album won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1978.

New Albums and Solo Success (1979–1982)

After the success of Rumours, Fleetwood Mac started recording Tusk in 1978. Nicks had many songs she wanted to record. Tusk was released on October 19, 1979. Mirage was recorded in late 1981 and early 1982.

Nicks also sang backup on other artists' songs. She sang on "Magnet and Steel" by Walter Egan. She also had hit duets like "Whenever I Call You Friend" with Kenny Loggins in 1978. She sang "Gold" with John Stewart in 1979.

Nicks performing in 1980

Nicks started recording songs for her own solo project in 1979. She, Danny Goldberg, and Paul Fishkin created Modern Records to release her music. Nicks' first solo album, Bella Donna, was released on July 27, 1981. It was praised by critics and sold very well. It reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart.

The day Bella Donna reached number one, Nicks learned her friend Robin Anderson had leukemia. Robin passed away in 1982. Nicks married Robin's widower, Kim Anderson, to help care for their baby. They divorced three months later.

Bella Donna introduced Nicks' permanent backup singers, Sharon Celani and Lori Perry. They have sung on all her solo albums since. In November 1981, Nicks went on her White Winged Dove tour. She had to stop early to record Mirage with Fleetwood Mac.

Nicks released her second solo album, The Wild Heart, on June 10, 1983. This album also sold very well and reached number five on the Billboard 200. It had three hit singles. Nicks toured the U.S. from June to November 1983. She also appeared on Saturday Night Live.

Her third solo album, Rock a Little, was released on November 18, 1985. It was a commercial success with three hit singles. Nicks toured for Rock a Little until October 1986. She also performed with Bob Dylan and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in Australia.

Fleetwood Mac and Solo Work (1987–1996)

In late 1985, Fleetwood Mac began working on Tango in the Night. Nicks was busy with her solo album and tour. She sent the band demos of her songs to work on. The album was released in April 1987. It became the band's second-highest selling album after Rumours.

Lindsey Buckingham left the group before their world tour. Nicks and Buckingham had a disagreement. The band went on the Shake the Cage tour in September 1987. Rick Vito and Billy Burnette replaced Buckingham. The tour was paused because Nicks faced health challenges. It started again in 1988.

Tango in the Night was very successful. It was followed by Fleetwood Mac's Greatest Hits album in November 1988. In 1988, Nicks also started working on her fourth solo album. The Other Side of the Mirror was released on May 11, 1989. It was a commercial success. Nicks toured the U.S. and Europe from August to November 1989.

In 1989, Nicks worked with Fleetwood Mac on Behind the Mask. It was released in 1990. The band went on a world tour to promote the album. After the tour, Nicks left the group for a while. This was due to a disagreement about her song "Silver Springs."

On the 10th anniversary of her solo career, Nicks released Timespace: The Best of Stevie Nicks on September 3, 1991. The next year, Fleetwood Mac released a four-disc box set, 25 Years – The Chain, which included "Silver Springs."

In 1993, Bill Clinton used the Fleetwood Mac song "Don't Stop" for his presidential campaign. Nicks rejoined the classic Rumours lineup of the band to perform the song at Clinton's inauguration.

After overcoming some personal challenges, Nicks released her fifth solo album, Street Angel, on May 23, 1994. The album did not receive good reviews. Nicks was disappointed with the album. She toured to support it, but the album's reception was tough.

In 1996, Nicks reunited with Lindsey Buckingham. They sang the duet "Twisted" for the Twister movie soundtrack. Nicks also covered Tom Petty's "Free Fallin'" for the TV show Party of Five.

Reunions and New Music (1997–2001)

In 1996, Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood, and John McVie started working together. This led to a reunion of the full Fleetwood Mac band. Nicks, feeling refreshed, joined Fleetwood Mac for The Dance. This was a very successful tour in 1997. It celebrated the 20th anniversary of Rumours. Before the tour, Nicks worked with a voice coach to strengthen her voice.

The band's live CD The Dance was very popular. The Dance earned the group several Grammy nominations. In 1998, Nicks joined the group for their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Nicks put her new solo album on hold. She was asked to release a collection of her solo songs. The box set Enchanted was released on April 28, 1998. It included notes from Nicks and rare photos. Nicks supported the box set with a successful U.S. tour.

Nicks started writing for Trouble in Shangri-La in 1994. Her friend Tom Petty encouraged her to write music again. She recorded songs with Sheryl Crow, who also produced some tracks. Other artists like Natalie Maines, Sarah McLachlan, and Macy Gray also contributed.

Trouble in Shangri-La was released on May 1, 2001. It brought Nicks' solo career back to success. "Planets of the Universe" was nominated for a Grammy Award. Nicks was named VH1's "Artist of the Month." She made many TV appearances to promote the album. Nicks supported the album with a successful tour.

More Albums and Tours (2002–2009)

Nicks during Fleetwood Mac's 2003 tour

In 2001, Fleetwood Mac began working on a new album. This time, Christine McVie was not with the band. Nicks was the only woman in the group. Say You Will was released in April 2003. Nicks toured with the group until September 2004.

Nicks later said she was not happy with the album or the tour. She mentioned disagreements with Buckingham and missed Christine McVie. A documentary called Destiny Rules showed the band's relationships during this time.

In 2005, Nicks performed solo shows and toured with Don Henley. She continued her solo shows, called the Gold Dust tour. In March 2007, Reprise Records released Crystal Visions – The Very Best of Stevie Nicks. It included her hit singles and a new live song.

A tour with Chris Isaak supported the album. "Stand Back" (a remix) reached number two on the Billboard Club chart. On March 31, 2009, Nicks released The Soundstage Sessions. It debuted at number 47 on the Billboard 200.

Nicks in June 2008

In late 2008, Fleetwood Mac announced a tour for 2009. Christine McVie was not part of this tour. The tour was called "Unleashed" and featured their greatest hits.

Recent Years and New Projects (2010–Present)

Nicks performing with Dave Stewart in November 2011

After the "Unleashed" tour, Nicks started working on her first solo album in ten years. She worked with David A. Stewart from the band Eurythmics. On January 13, 2011, Reprise announced Nicks' album In Your Dreams would be released on May 3. The first single, "Secret Love", was released on February 8. Nicks originally wrote "Secret Love" in 1976.

Nicks promoted the song with a video directed by Dave Stewart. Her goddaughter Kelly appeared in the video. "Secret Love" was a hit on the Adult Contemporary Singles chart. Another song, "For What It's Worth", featured Nicks' niece in its video. A documentary film was made for the album, directed by Stewart.

In Your Dreams was well-received by music critics. Rolling Stone called it her "finest collection of songs since the Eighties." The album debuted at number six on the Billboard 200. The same day, the TV show Glee aired an episode featuring Fleetwood Mac songs. This sparked new interest in the band.

In 2013, Fleetwood Mac toured again as a four-piece band. They released new music, an EP called "Extended Play." In December 2013, the In Your Dreams documentary was released on DVD.

Nicks performing with her band at the Frank Erwin Center on her 24 Karat Gold Tour in March 2017

In 2014, Nicks appeared on the TV series American Horror Story: Coven. She played a fictional version of herself, a "white witch." She performed several of her songs on the show. Nicks was honored with a BMI Icon Award in May 2014. In July 2014, she joined The Voice as an adviser.

In September 2014, Nicks released her eighth solo album, 24 Karat Gold: Songs from the Vault. It reached number seven on the Billboard 200. She also began a North American tour with Fleetwood Mac, who were reunited with Christine McVie. The tour ended in November 2015.

In 2016 and 2017, Nicks toured with The Pretenders on the 24 Karat Gold Tour. In April 2017, she was featured on a song with Lana Del Rey called "Beautiful People Beautiful Problems." In July 2017, Nicks performed with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in London. She sang "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" with Petty. This was their last performance together before his death.

In April 2018, Lindsey Buckingham left Fleetwood Mac. Nicks helped find his replacements, Mike Campbell and Neil Finn. This new lineup toured in 2018–2019. In April 2019, Nicks was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the second time.

In September 2020, Nicks released a live album and concert film from her 24 Karat Gold Tour. On October 9, 2020, she released her first new song in six years, "Show Them the Way." In December 2020, a company bought a large part of Nicks' song catalog.

In August 2021, Nicks canceled her solo shows due to concerns about COVID-19. In August 2022, the virtual band Gorillaz announced Nicks would be on their album Cracker Island. In September 2022, Nicks released a cover of "For What It's Worth". She said she wanted to sing the protest song "through the eyes of a woman."

Artistry and Style

Nicks performing in 1977

Stevie Nicks is 5 feet 1 inch (1.55 m) tall. She said she felt "a little ridiculous" next to Mick Fleetwood, who is 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m). Because of this, she started wearing 6-inch (15 cm) platform boots. She kept wearing them even when they went out of style.

Over the years, Nicks developed her "uniform" style. It includes flowing, sheer clothes, boots, and shawls. Nicks says her singing style and stage moves were inspired by singers like Grace Slick and Janis Joplin. She saw Joplin perform live and was inspired by her intensity. Nicks even owns a strand of Joplin's stage beads.

Nicks has a contralto vocal range, meaning her voice is deep. Her voice has been described as "gruff" and "feathery." She often decorates her microphone stand with roses, ribbons, and scarves. Nicks prefers to wear black onstage because it was "easy and slimming."

Helping Others

Nicks started a charity called "Stevie Nicks's Band of Soldiers." This foundation helps wounded military personnel. In late 2004, Nicks visited military hospitals. She wanted to find something to give soldiers to lift their spirits.

Personal Life

Relationships and Family

Stevie Nicks was in a romantic relationship with Lindsey Buckingham from 1972 to 1976. She was also linked to Mick Fleetwood and Eagles drummer Don Henley. Nicks wrote "Has Anyone Ever Written Anything for You?" about Joe Walsh's deceased daughter.

Nicks in 1977

Nicks' only marriage was to Kim Anderson. He was the widower of her best friend, Robin Anderson. They married in 1983 after Robin died. Nicks explained that they married out of grief, wanting to care for Robin's baby. They divorced after only three months.

Years later, she reconnected with her stepson when he was a teenager. She helped him through college. In 2020, Nicks said her stepson's daughter calls her "Grandma Stevie." Nicks chose not to have her own children. She felt her demanding career meant she could not be a mom and a wife.

She says, "My mission maybe wasn't to be a mom and a wife; maybe my particular mission was to write songs to make moms and wives feel better." She enjoys being the "crazy auntie" to her niece, godchildren, and former stepson.

Nicks has kept a journal almost every day since joining Fleetwood Mac. She hopes her family can read them one day to understand her life. She has said she would only write a book if she could tell the full truth.

Homes

Until 2007, Nicks lived in Paradise Valley, Arizona. She built the home in 1981 and shared it with her brother and his family. She sold the house to "downsize" and focus on charity work. She now owns a home in Santa Monica, California.

Beliefs

Nicks became an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church. She performed the wedding of singer Vanessa Carlton in 2013.

Music Albums

Solo Studio Albums

• Bella Donna (1981)
• The Wild Heart (1983)
• Rock a Little (1985)
• The Other Side of the Mirror (1989)
• Street Angel (1994)
• Trouble in Shangri-La (2001)
• In Your Dreams (2011)
• 24 Karat Gold: Songs from the Vault (2014)

With Buckingham Nicks

• Buckingham Nicks (1973)

With Fleetwood Mac

• Fleetwood Mac (1975)
• Rumours (1977)
• Tusk (1979)
• Mirage (1982)
• Tango in the Night (1987)
• Behind the Mask (1990)
• The Dance (1997)
• Say You Will (2003)

Film and TV Appearances

Concert Tours

Solo tours

• White Winged Dove (Bella Donna) Tour: 1981
• The Wild Heart Tour: 1983
• Rock a Little Tour: 1986
• The Other Side of the Mirror Tour: 1989
• Whole Lotta Trouble (Timespace) Tour: 1991
• Street Angel Tour: 1994
• Enchanted Tour: 1998
• Holiday Millennium Tour: 1999–2000
• Trouble in Shangri-La Tour: 2001
• Two Voices Tour (with Don Henley): 2005
• Gold Dust Tour (with Vanessa Carlton or John Farnham): 2005–06
• Highway Companion Tour (with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers): 2006
• Crystal Visions Tour: 2007–08
• Soundstage Sessions Tour: 2008
• Heart & Soul Tour (with Rod Stewart): 2011–12
• In Your Dreams Tour: 2011–12
• 24 Karat Gold Tour: 2016–17
• Live in Concert Tour: 2023-24

In 2005, Nicks visited Australia and New Zealand. She launched a tour there with Australian performer John Farnham. She also performed with Tom Petty in June. In 2006, Nicks toured with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Their concert in Gainesville, FL, was filmed for PBS.

In 2008, Nicks went on the Soundstage Sessions tour in the U.S. A video of one concert, Live in Chicago, was released in 2009. Vanessa Carlton was a guest artist. Rod Stewart and Nicks toured together on the Heart & Soul Tour. It started on March 20, 2011, in Florida.

A solo tour for In Your Dreams began on August 9, 2011. Nicks announced that Michael Grimm would join her. She then toured Australia and New Zealand with Dave Stewart. Nicks joined Rod Stewart again in 2012 for another part of the Heart & Soul Tour. In 2023, she and Billy Joel performed concerts across the U.S. She also announced a European tour for 2024.

Touring band 2012

• Sharon Celani – backing vocals (1981–present)
• Waddy Wachtel – lead guitar, musical direction (1981–86, 2001–present)
• Lori Nicks – backing vocals (1981–89, 1996, 2007–present)
• Carlos Rios – rhythm guitar (1989–present)
• Al Ortiz – bass (2001–present)
• Jimmy Paxson – drums (2005–present)
• Darrell Smith – keyboards (2005–present)
• Brett Tuggle – keyboards, rhythm guitar (1998–2006, 2012)

Awards and Nominations

Grammy Awards

Solo Artist

Nicks has been nominated for eight Grammy Awards as a solo artist. She holds the record for most nominations for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance without a win.

With Fleetwood Mac

Nicks has been nominated for six Grammy Awards as a member of Fleetwood Mac. She won the 1978 Grammy Award for Album of the Year for Rumours. She also received the 2003 Grammy Hall of Fame Award.

Images for kids

• 

  Stevie Nicks' signature

See also

In Spanish: Stevie Nicks para niños

• List of artists who reached number one on the U.S. dance chart
• List of number-one dance hits (United States)