While Stevie Nicks is widely recognized as a powerful force in today’s music industry, she frequently acknowledged the influence of other trailblazers on her unique style, magnetic presence, and overall career. For example, others carefully selected her voice and stage presence. This gave her the ideal elements to establish herself as a respected innovator.
During the early days of Fleetwood Mac’s breakthrough, Nicks frequently faced the challenge of being overlooked or overshadowed by her male counterparts. They possessed a specific vision for presenting songs and albums. The singer’s instincts proved to be successful. She swiftly garnered a following of fans who appreciated her evocative and sometimes melancholic songwriting. They also admired her charmingly raspy voice.
What sets Nicks‘ influences apart is her ability to appreciate them without trying to imitate them. While she may draw inspiration from their confidence and style to captivate her fans, she also takes joy in acknowledging and praising artists. They occupy different artistic realms. During her collaboration with Natalie Maines from The Chicks, she expressed her joy in being a part of the band. Despite labeling them as country artists, their music carries a strong rock ‘n’ roll influence.
Nicks’ lyrics resonate with fans, offering understanding and comfort. She found solace in Joni Mitchell’s music. Mitchell’s voice and intricate songwriting served as a companion to Stevie Nicks during her challenging times. When talking about Court and Spark, she expressed how deeply she connected with the album. She shared that she spent three consecutive days simply lying on the floor, immersed in its music. She also mentioned that during this time, her relationship with Lindsey was nearing its end, and she had already met someone new.
When it comes to her physical performance in the spotlight, she mentioned three influential artists who have greatly influenced her approach. They are Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and Grace Slick. She spoke about the three individuals who served as her role models during her time on stage. She explained how she effortlessly combines charm, self-assurance, boldness, and a touch of rebelliousness.
When talking about the artists who influenced her music, the singer’s eclectic mix of stars includes Neil Young, Tom Petty, and even Bob Dylan. She especially connects with a line from Dylan’s song ‘Tangled Up In Blue‘: “There was music in the cafes and revolution in the air.” For Nicks, the ability to capture the essence of such a significant moment in time through beautifully concise and poetic lyrics was paramount. It showcased her undeniable artistry. “The first time I heard [it], I was completely taken aback,” she expressed.
Young, alongside Buffalo Springfield, also played a significant role in helping her appreciate the contrast between the energetic rock ‘n’ roll. Additionally, he introduced her to heartfelt, slower love ballads. Nicks confesses that she dedicated an entire summer after her senior year to immersing herself in the timeless melodies. The focus of her dedication was Crosby, Stills & Nash’s 1969 album. The seamless fusion of hard rock, thought-provoking protest songs, and heartfelt ballads captivated her.
Primarily, it was the impactful lyricism that paved the way for Stevie Nicks once she recognized its immense influence. She expressed her deep appreciation for Jackson Browne. She emphasized how a single line from one of his songs can hold immense personal significance. Nicks effortlessly weaves together enchanting melodies and introspective lyrics in her compositions such as ‘Silver Springs‘, ‘Landslide‘, and ‘Dreams‘. These masterpieces serve as the foundation for her journey towards becoming a revered musical legend.
