A quick dive down the Stevie Nicks rabbit hole reveals a plethora of incredible collaborations. Here are seven of the best.
Throughout her active years which span over five decades, Stevie Nicks has created an all-consuming body of work, writing some of Fleetwood Mac’s greatest hits as well as building an acclaimed solo career, whether Stevie Nicks background vocals are holding the band together, or taking the stage front and centre, there’s no denying her legacy.
While it’s impossible to ignore the sheer power and immense emotion that Nicks is able to conjure through her work, the artist is at times more searched for her iconic Stevie Nicks style dresses, and Stevie Nicks hat and less recognised for her incredible collaborations with some of the world’s finest musicians and artists. Here are seven of Nicks’ most significant collaborations.
Can’t Get Enough – B.B. King
When we think about powerful voices, it is no surprise that B.B. King comes to mind. King was responsible for creating a sophisticated style and approach to electric guitar, and his influence will surely linger for many years to come.
When searching for back-up vocals on his track Can’t Get Enough, the artist had to ensure that the vocalist would be up to the task of matching his bellowing tones. Of course, none other than Stevie Nicks could take up the role, and her husky harmonies in the background of the track work to tie it together and make it shine as one of the greats.
Leather and Lace – Don Henley
Who sang alongside Stevie Nicks on the hit single “leather and lace”? None other than Eagles frontman Don Henley.
The second single Nicks released from Bella Donna as a solo artist was Leather and Lace, which she performed with the Eagles singer to perfection.
The beautiful acoustic track displays Nicks’ poetic ability and the true timelessness of her original sound. Flawless harmonies tie perfectly intertwine with the beautiful simplicity of the track, a genuinely beautiful song.
Whenever I Call You Friend – Kenny Loggins
During the ’70s and ’80s, Kenny Loggins was at the forefront of American folk-rock music, and his invitation to Nicks to sing on his track Whenever I Call You Friend was a perfect choice. Conversely to the potent sadness that Nicks often expels through her music, this track gives you the warm and fuzzies, an upbeat number filled with goosebump worthy harmonies.
The absolute strength to Nicks’ voice can overpower any man’s, however on this track, it melts into Loggins’ vocal with ease. Listen here.
Beautiful People Beautiful Problems – Lana Del Rey
While so many of Nicks’ collaborations ooze a genuine 1970s aesthetic, her collaboration with modern-day princess Lana Del Rey was a refreshing approach to sound. Stevie Nicks voice pairs beautifully with the sultry stylings of Del Rey.
While the track was originally written and recorded in 2014, it was re-recorded in 2017 with Nicks for Del Rey’s fifth studio album Lust For Life. While Del Rey can so easily manifest such a tragic sense of romance within her music, Nicks works to build this fragile pain even further. Speaking about her chance to work with the Fleetwood Mac legend, Del Rey stated:
“I didn’t know what to expect or that I could even ask her. When I went through ideas of women that could really add something to the record, she was the one we kept coming back to. ‘Bonafide badass’ is a great phrase for her.”
Sorcerer – Sheryl Crowe
1984 saw Stevie Nicks join forces with another diva of the time; Sheryl Crowe for Sorcerer. Combining their two voices together created a palpable electricity, impossible to shake. The track was written by Nicks back in 1972, during her time with Buckingham Nicks, before Fleetwood Mac had even come into the picture.
Despite it being one of her earlier creations, this track is one of Nicks’ very best, showcasing her songwriting skills and the ability to bring other creative forces into her work, evoking feminine energy with a roar.
Cheaper Than Free – Dave Stewart
Dave Stewart is widely renowned as an incredible folk musician and songwriter, having collaborated with Nicks numerous times throughout their career. However it’s Cheaper Than Free which holds the most special place in Nicks’ heart.
“I thought it was going to be a tongue-in-cheek goofy song, and it ended up to be anything but. We were both very surprised. I believe in my heart that that song will live on forever. I said to everybody, ‘We have to really treat this song with kid gloves, because this may be the best song that Dave Stewart and Stevie Nicks ever does.'”
Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
An iconic classic. This track is post Stevie Nicks 1977 Rumour era at its best. Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around was the very first single that Nicks released as a solo artist, dropped in the lead up to her debut album Bella Donna in 1981. The smooth and sultry track was the only one on the album that Nicks didn’t write (or co-write). It was written by Tom Petty and Mike Campbell for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, however, it was eventually arranged for Nicks to sing.
Since Petty recorded the track with his band it has remained a mainstay in her solo performances, a song which boasts the immense power of her voice and the deep aching emotion she is able to deliver with every husky note.
Check out of some of Stevie Nicks photos and her thoughts on the past.
