We Chat About Stevie Nicks: Her Legacy of Witchiness and How It Informs the Feminine Mystique in Popular Music

Singer, mystic, poet. Her music magic compels generations. No one can deny that she's a top-notch singer/songwriter. As a prominent vocalist for the iconic band Fleetwood Mac, she was responsible for penning some of their most popular songs.

In this episode, we explore the following question: Is the Stevie Nicks allure due to just her indisputable talent, or is there something more? Something not so tangible, or easy to put into words? There are many iconic rock goddess who are still alive--people like Chrissy Hinds, or Tina Turner, Debby Harry, or Chrissy Hinds, just to name three. Women who sold millions of records, and broke music industry molds. But despite their achievements, they haven't managed to deeply permeate contemporary pop culture the way that Stevie Nicks does. What makes Stevie Nicks so appealing to not just her own Boomer generation, but also Generations X, Y and even Z?

Rhiannon

Who can deny the power of "Rhiannon?" A song that Nicks says is about "a Welsh witch." Rhiannon, a Celtic goddess is also known as the Horse goddess among other attributes. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_O4Ygcgh8w
Is this song responsible for the eternal witchy appeal of Stevie Nicks?

""But you know, I feel like Prince is with me. When I’m nervous, I’ll talk to Prince. In my solo act, when I do “Moonlight,” I wear this white wolfy coat — I put this coat on and I try to transform into a Dire Wolf from Game of Thrones. And before I go on, I always say, “Walk with me, Prince.”Stevie Nicks - 2019 - Rollingstone

Resources:  

Episode References:

* NY Times* Fleetwood Mac. Fleetwood Mac. Reprise Records. 1975.* Fleetwood Mac. Tusk. Warner Brothers. 1979.* Stevie Nicks. The Wild Heart. Modern Records. 1983.* Vanity Fair* Prince. 1999. Warner Brothers. 1983.* Star Tribune* Rollingstone* Radio Head. Ok Computer. Parlophone, Capitol. 1997.* Los Angeles Times*