Stevie Nicks: A Journey Through Music And Love

Stevie Nicks’ success as a musician has always been intertwined with her personal life, particularly her romantic relationships. From her early days in the 1970s, when she formed the duo Buckingham Nicks with former boyfriend Lindsey Buckingham, to her prominent role in Fleetwood Mac, Nicks' life has been a blend of love and artistry. Her career is marked not only by her musical prowess but also by a series of high-profile romances that have captured the public's imagination.

Between 1975 and 2003, Nicks and Fleetwood Mac released eight albums, showcasing their unique sound and chemistry. Nicks also embarked on a successful solo career, releasing eight albums from 1981 to 2014. Behind the scenes, however, her life was marked by one brief marriage and several significant relationships with fellow musicians, further adding to her intriguing narrative.

As Nicks prepares for her performance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, airing January 1 on ABC, it's an opportune moment to reflect on the iconic singer's journey through love and music. Here’s a closer look at her relationships and the impact they had on her life and career.

Lindsey Buckingham: The Early Years

Stevie Nicks' most well-known relationship is with her bandmate Lindsey Buckingham. The pair, who were romantically linked from 1966 to 1977, met as high school seniors in Palo Alto, California. They were both members of a student band called Fritz, and it was during this time that their bond began to form. Nicks once remarked, “I’m not sure we would have even become a couple if it wasn’t for us leaving that band. It kind of pushed us together,” illustrating how their musical journey intertwined with their personal lives.

The couple eventually moved to Los Angeles and formed the folk-rock duo Buckingham Nicks. Unfortunately, their debut album did not achieve significant commercial success. However, they found greater fortune when they joined Fleetwood Mac, along with Mick Fleetwood and other band members, in the mid-70s. The chemistry that once fueled their romance translated into their music, creating hits that defined a generation.

Despite their breakup in 1977, Nicks and Buckingham continued to perform together, often navigating the complexities of their past relationship on stage. Nicks expressed that the uniqueness of their bond stemmed from their shared history, stating, “Nobody was looking into the heart I had looked into. We knew each other before. That’s what makes us unique to each other.” Their connection remains evident, as evidenced by their recent reunion for the memorial of their late bandmate Christine McVie in January 2023.

Mick Fleetwood: A Brief Affair

Following her split with Buckingham, Nicks had a brief romantic involvement with bandmate Mick Fleetwood in 1978. At the time, Fleetwood was still married to Jenny Boyd, leading Nicks to later describe the relationship as “The crazy accidental affair.” In hindsight, she reflected on the situation, acknowledging the consequences of becoming involved with a married man. “Never shoulda happened. And we knew it from the beginning… If there’s anything I learned from that relationship, it was, ‘Don’t go after other women’s husbands,’ because it never works out,” she shared.

This relationship was a tumultuous chapter in her life, filled with lessons learned about love and boundaries. Nicks’ candidness about this experience highlights her growth as both a person and an artist. It serves as a reminder of the personal struggles that often accompany life in the public eye, especially within the music industry.

Don Henley: A Complicated Romance

In 1979, Nicks embarked on a relationship with Eagles drummer Don Henley. Their romance was passionate but complicated, particularly when Nicks became pregnant. In a 2014 interview, she revealed that she would have named their daughter Sara, a name that also resonated in the Fleetwood Mac song “Sara.” However, Nicks ultimately chose to terminate the pregnancy, realizing that her path might not lead to traditional motherhood. “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 remarked, emphasizing her commitment to her art.

This relationship further exemplifies the intersections of love and creativity in Nicks’ life. The emotional weight of her experiences has often fueled her songwriting, allowing her to connect with fans on a deeper level.

Robin Anderson: A Marriage Born of Grief

In 1983, Nicks married Kim Anderson, the widower of her best friend Robin Anderson, who had recently passed away from leukemia. This marriage came just three months after Robin's death, a decision rooted in grief and a desire to care for Robin's newborn son. “I went crazy, absolutely crazy when Robin died,” Nicks admitted, explaining her motivations. “I felt this baby belonged to me almost as much as it did to them.”

Unfortunately, Nicks quickly realized that marrying Kim was a mistake. Their union lasted only three months, as the weight of their shared grief proved too heavy to bear. “We didn’t get married because we were in love, we got married because we were grieving,” she reflected, highlighting the complexities of love and loss.

Despite the challenges, Nicks remains close to her stepson Matthew, whom she supported through college. This relationship showcases her resilience and commitment to family, even amidst the turbulence of her romantic history.

Stevie Nicks’ journey through love and music has been filled with highs and lows, each relationship shaping her artistry and persona. As she continues to perform and inspire, her story remains a testament to the power of love, creativity, and resilience.