Stevie Nicks' Life in Photos

Mar. 15, 2025

Stevie Nicks performs onstage during the US Festival in Ontario, Calif., on May 30, 1983.Photo: Roger Ressmeyer/CORBIS/VCG via Getty

Grammy Award-winnerStevie Nicksbuilt her career as a singer-songwriter after joining the British-American rock bandFleetwood Macand then through her work as a solo artist.Nicks and the band experienced many highs and lows between record-selling albums, rocky relationships, drugs and divorces. Throughout it all, the talented musician has persevered as one of the most influential and beloved artists, impacting the world of music and pop culture.From her beginnings as an artist to the historical accolades over the years, take a look back at Nicks' incredible life and career in photos.

Grammy Award-winnerStevie Nicksbuilt her career as a singer-songwriter after joining the British-American rock bandFleetwood Macand then through her work as a solo artist.

Nicks and the band experienced many highs and lows between record-selling albums, rocky relationships, drugs and divorces. Throughout it all, the talented musician has persevered as one of the most influential and beloved artists, impacting the world of music and pop culture.

From her beginnings as an artist to the historical accolades over the years, take a look back at Nicks' incredible life and career in photos.

01of 23Early 1970s: The Rise of Stevie NicksPortrait of Stevie Nicks posed next to a car in 1975.Fin Costello/RedfernsBorn Stephanie Lynn Nicks on May 26, 1948, in Phoenix, the singer began her music career in 1966 when she joined the band Fritz, which included her future boyfriend and bandmate,Lindsey Buckingham. The band opened for stars likeJanis JoplinandJimi Hendrixbut disbanded in 1972.

01of 23

Early 1970s: The Rise of Stevie Nicks

Portrait of Stevie Nicks posed next to a car in 1975.Fin Costello/Redferns

Born Stephanie Lynn Nicks on May 26, 1948, in Phoenix, the singer began her music career in 1966 when she joined the band Fritz, which included her future boyfriend and bandmate,Lindsey Buckingham. The band opened for stars likeJanis JoplinandJimi Hendrixbut disbanded in 1972.

02of 231975: Joining Fleetwood MacStevie Nicks (left) and Lindsey Buckingham perform live onstage in 1979.Richard E. Aaron/RedfernsAfter Fritz disbanded, Nicks and Buckingham formed a duo, Buckingham/Nicks, though the pair didn’t find success on their own. On Dec. 31, 1974, Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac called Buckingham, hoping to convince him to play guitar for the band, but Buckinghaminsisted Nicks join as well.Buckingham told PEOPLE in 2017, “Mick called me — he had heard my guitar playing, and then a couple of weeks later [guitarist] Bob Welch decided he was going to leave the band. Mick actually asked me to join first, and I said, ‘Well, you’ve gotta take my girlfriend too.’ And he says, ‘I’ll get back to you on that.’ "

02of 23

1975: Joining Fleetwood Mac

Stevie Nicks (left) and Lindsey Buckingham perform live onstage in 1979.Richard E. Aaron/Redferns

After Fritz disbanded, Nicks and Buckingham formed a duo, Buckingham/Nicks, though the pair didn’t find success on their own. On Dec. 31, 1974, Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac called Buckingham, hoping to convince him to play guitar for the band, but Buckinghaminsisted Nicks join as well.

Buckingham told PEOPLE in 2017, “Mick called me — he had heard my guitar playing, and then a couple of weeks later [guitarist] Bob Welch decided he was going to leave the band. Mick actually asked me to join first, and I said, ‘Well, you’ve gotta take my girlfriend too.’ And he says, ‘I’ll get back to you on that.’ "

03of 23

Late 1970s: Fleetwood Mac’s Success

Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks performs onstage at the Alpine Valley Music Theater in East Troy, Wisconsin, on July 19, 1978.Paul Natkin/Getty Images

Paul Natkin/Getty Images

The singer-songwriter penned “Landslide” and “Rhiannon” on the group’s 1975 albumFleetwood Mac, as well as “Dreams,” “Gypsy” and “The Chain” on the band’s wildly successfulRumours(1977).

04of 231978: Fleetwood Mac at the GrammysLeft to right: Fleetwood Mac producer Richard Dashut, Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie and John McVie at the 20th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 23, 1978, in Los Angeles.Michael Ochs Archives/Getty ImagesThe band took home a Grammy forRumoursin 1978, winning album of the year.They were nominated again at the Grammys in 1998 for best pop album forThe Dance,best pop performance for Nicks' song “Silver Springs” and best rock vocal performance for “The Chain.”

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1978: Fleetwood Mac at the Grammys

Left to right: Fleetwood Mac producer Richard Dashut, Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie and John McVie at the 20th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 23, 1978, in Los Angeles.Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

The band took home a Grammy forRumoursin 1978, winning album of the year.

They were nominated again at the Grammys in 1998 for best pop album forThe Dance,best pop performance for Nicks' song “Silver Springs” and best rock vocal performance for “The Chain.”

05of 23

Late 1970s: Rumors Start to Fly

From second left: Christine McVie, John McVie, Mick Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac receive their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Oct. 10, 1979.Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

The band’s keyboardist and singer, Christine McVie, and her husband, bassist John McVie, were legally separated after seven years of marriage. Mick Fleetwood divorced his wife of six years, and Nicks and Buckingham ended their eight-year relationship.

06of 231977: Drama OnstageStevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham perform onstage at the Los Angeles Forum in Inglewood, Calif., on Dec. 6, 1979.Bob Riha, Jr./Getty ImagesThe band continued to perform together, though Nicks and Buckingham’s relationship was tumultuous.While on tour forRumours,the pair fought onstage, with the band recounting the event toRolling Stone.Christine told the publication, “I think [Buckingham’s] the only person I ever, ever slapped. I actually might have chucked a glass of wine, too. I just didn’t think it was the way to treat a paying audience. I mean, aside from making a mockery of Stevie like that. Really unprofessional, over the top. Yes, [Nicks] cried. She cried a lot.“Trouble with the group continued as Fleetwood and Nicks started — and quickly ended — an affair while on tour.

06of 23

1977: Drama Onstage

Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham perform onstage at the Los Angeles Forum in Inglewood, Calif., on Dec. 6, 1979.Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images

Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images

The band continued to perform together, though Nicks and Buckingham’s relationship was tumultuous.

While on tour forRumours,the pair fought onstage, with the band recounting the event toRolling Stone.

Christine told the publication, “I think [Buckingham’s] the only person I ever, ever slapped. I actually might have chucked a glass of wine, too. I just didn’t think it was the way to treat a paying audience. I mean, aside from making a mockery of Stevie like that. Really unprofessional, over the top. Yes, [Nicks] cried. She cried a lot.”

Trouble with the group continued as Fleetwood and Nicks started — and quickly ended — an affair while on tour.

07of 231981: Going SoloStevie Nicks performs live at The Oakland Coliseum in 1977 in Oakland, Calif.Richard McCaffrey/Michael Ochs Archive/Getty ImagesNicks continued to perform with Fleetwood Mac, with the band releasing their albumsTusk(1979)andMirage(1982). At the same time, Nicks began her solo career.In 1981, Nicks releasedBella Donna, which included songs like “Edge of Seventeen” and “Leather and Lace.” Her solo venture was successful; the album reached No. 1 on theBillboard200.She followed upBella DonnawithThe Wild Heartin 1983 andRock a Littlein 1985.

07of 23

1981: Going Solo

Stevie Nicks performs live at The Oakland Coliseum in 1977 in Oakland, Calif.Richard McCaffrey/Michael Ochs Archive/Getty Images

Richard McCaffrey/Michael Ochs Archive/Getty Images

Nicks continued to perform with Fleetwood Mac, with the band releasing their albumsTusk(1979)andMirage(1982). At the same time, Nicks began her solo career.

In 1981, Nicks releasedBella Donna, which included songs like “Edge of Seventeen” and “Leather and Lace.” Her solo venture was successful; the album reached No. 1 on theBillboard200.

She followed upBella DonnawithThe Wild Heartin 1983 andRock a Littlein 1985.

08of 23

Stevie Nicks' Friendship with Tom Petty

Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty perform together at the Cow Palace on June 26, 1981, in Daly City, Calif.Larry Hulst/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Larry Hulst/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Nicks even wrote the song “Stop Draggin' My Heart Around” withTom Pettyof Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

“She came into my life like a rocket, just refusing to go away,” Petty wrote of Nicks in his biography. The pair stayed friends for four decades until Pettydied of cardiac arrestin 2017 at the age of 66.

09of 231982: Nicks' Short-Lived MarriageStevie Nicks and then-husband Kim Anderson at the 10th annual American Music Awards on Jan. 17, 1983.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty ImagesIn 1982, Nicks' best friend, Robin Anderson, died of leukemia, leaving behind a son, of whom Nicks was the godmother. Nicks soon married Anderson’s widower, Kim Anderson, on Jan. 29, 1983, as she was convinced that it was what Robin would have wanted of her.“It was a terrible, terrible mistake,” Nickstold Vulturein 2014. “We didn’t get married because we were in love; we got married because we were grieving, and it was the only way that we could feel like we were doing anything.“The pair divorced three months later.

09of 23

1982: Nicks' Short-Lived Marriage

Stevie Nicks and then-husband Kim Anderson at the 10th annual American Music Awards on Jan. 17, 1983.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

In 1982, Nicks' best friend, Robin Anderson, died of leukemia, leaving behind a son, of whom Nicks was the godmother. Nicks soon married Anderson’s widower, Kim Anderson, on Jan. 29, 1983, as she was convinced that it was what Robin would have wanted of her.

“It was a terrible, terrible mistake,” Nickstold Vulturein 2014. “We didn’t get married because we were in love; we got married because we were grieving, and it was the only way that we could feel like we were doing anything.”

The pair divorced three months later.

10of 23

1985: Stevie Nicks Checks Into Rehab

Stevie Nicks performs onstage during the US Festival in Ontario, Calif., on May 30, 1983.Roger Ressmeyer/CORBIS/VCG via Getty Images

Roger Ressmeyer/CORBIS/VCG via Getty Images

Fleetwood Mac’s history with drugs is well-documented (the bandconsidered thanking their drug dealerin the album credits forRumours); however, in 1985, the lifestyle caught up with Nicks, who ultimately checked herself into rehab.

“I checked myself into rehab. Nobody did that for me. I did it, and that’s like with my whole life,” she continued. “So I would dance over those parts just to give the wisdom out to people.”

11of 231990: Leaving Fleetwood Mac (for Now)Stevie Nicks performs onstage in the 1980s.Robin Platzer/Getty ImagesNicks continued creating music with Fleetwood Mac while also pursuing her solo career. In 1988, she released her fourth solo album,The Other Side of the Mirror, and toured Europe as a solo act for the first time.After Fleetwood Mac’s 1990 world tour, Nicks left the group — partly because Mick Fleetwood wouldn’t allow her to release her song “Silver Springs” on her own — and in 1991 releasedTimespace: The Best of Stevie Nickson the 10th anniversary of her solo debut. “Silver Springs” ended up being released on the band’s greatest hits album,25 Years – The Chain.

11of 23

1990: Leaving Fleetwood Mac (for Now)

Stevie Nicks performs onstage in the 1980s.Robin Platzer/Getty Images

Robin Platzer/Getty Images

Nicks continued creating music with Fleetwood Mac while also pursuing her solo career. In 1988, she released her fourth solo album,The Other Side of the Mirror, and toured Europe as a solo act for the first time.

After Fleetwood Mac’s 1990 world tour, Nicks left the group — partly because Mick Fleetwood wouldn’t allow her to release her song “Silver Springs” on her own — and in 1991 releasedTimespace: The Best of Stevie Nickson the 10th anniversary of her solo debut. “Silver Springs” ended up being released on the band’s greatest hits album,25 Years – The Chain.

12of 231998: Fleetwood Mac Is Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of FameStevie Nicks holds her award at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony at the Waldorf-Astoria in 1998.Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty ImagesAfter reuniting for a 1997 tour that coincided with the 20th anniversary ofRumours, the band once again was met with success. They were nominated for another Grammy, and in 1998, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

12of 23

1998: Fleetwood Mac Is Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Stevie Nicks holds her award at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony at the Waldorf-Astoria in 1998.Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images

Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images

After reuniting for a 1997 tour that coincided with the 20th anniversary ofRumours, the band once again was met with success. They were nominated for another Grammy, and in 1998, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

13of 232003: Fleetwood Mac ReleasesSay You WillLeft to right: John McVie, Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood (back) and Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac perform on ‘The Tonight Show with Jay Leno’ on April 23, 2003.Paul Drinkwater/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty ImagesIn 2003, Fleetwood Mac releasedSay You Will, though this time, they did it without bandmate Christine. The band embarked on a world tour in 2004.A documentary about the making of the album was released that year, entitledDestiny Rules.

13of 23

2003: Fleetwood Mac ReleasesSay You Will

Left to right: John McVie, Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood (back) and Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac perform on ‘The Tonight Show with Jay Leno’ on April 23, 2003.Paul Drinkwater/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Paul Drinkwater/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

In 2003, Fleetwood Mac releasedSay You Will, though this time, they did it without bandmate Christine. The band embarked on a world tour in 2004.

A documentary about the making of the album was released that year, entitledDestiny Rules.

14of 232006: Stevie Nicks on TourStevie Nicks performs with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at the 2006 Bonnaroo Music Festival.Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagicNicks continued to perform solo, following up her time on theSay You Willtour with a show at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas in May 2005 and embarking on her ownGold Dusttour that year. In 2006, Nicks performed at Bonnaroo with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.In 2007, she releasedCrystal Visions — The Very Best of Stevie Nicks, and it debuted at No. 21 on theBillboardcharts. All the while, Nicks continued to collaborate with Fleetwood Mac, touring with the band again in 2009.

14of 23

2006: Stevie Nicks on Tour

Stevie Nicks performs with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at the 2006 Bonnaroo Music Festival.Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Nicks continued to perform solo, following up her time on theSay You Willtour with a show at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas in May 2005 and embarking on her ownGold Dusttour that year. In 2006, Nicks performed at Bonnaroo with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

In 2007, she releasedCrystal Visions — The Very Best of Stevie Nicks, and it debuted at No. 21 on theBillboardcharts. All the while, Nicks continued to collaborate with Fleetwood Mac, touring with the band again in 2009.

15of 232010: Performing with Taylor Swift at the GrammysTaylor Swift (left) and Stevie Nicks perform onstage during the 52nd annual Grammy Awards held at Staples Center on Jan. 31, 2010, in L.A.Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesIn 2010, Nicks joinedTaylor Swiftonstage for a performance of “Rhiannon” and “You Belong with Me” at the 2010 Grammy Awards.

15of 23

2010: Performing with Taylor Swift at the Grammys

Taylor Swift (left) and Stevie Nicks perform onstage during the 52nd annual Grammy Awards held at Staples Center on Jan. 31, 2010, in L.A.Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

In 2010, Nicks joinedTaylor Swiftonstage for a performance of “Rhiannon” and “You Belong with Me” at the 2010 Grammy Awards.

16of 232011: Stevie Nicks Returns withIn Your DreamsStevie Nicks performs live onstage at the ‘Hard Rock Calling’ music festival at Hyde Park on June 26, 2011, in central London.Jim Dyson/Getty ImagesThe singer released her first solo album in a decade in 2011 withIn Your Dreams.

16of 23

2011: Stevie Nicks Returns withIn Your Dreams

Stevie Nicks performs live onstage at the ‘Hard Rock Calling’ music festival at Hyde Park on June 26, 2011, in central London.Jim Dyson/Getty Images

Jim Dyson/Getty Images

The singer released her first solo album in a decade in 2011 withIn Your Dreams.

17of 232013: Fleetwood Mac on Tour (Again)Stevie Nicks (left) and Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac perform at Staples Center on July 3, 2013, in L.A.Chelsea Lauren/WireImageThe band once again hit the road for a European and North American tour in 2013.

17of 23

2013: Fleetwood Mac on Tour (Again)

Stevie Nicks (left) and Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac perform at Staples Center on July 3, 2013, in L.A.Chelsea Lauren/WireImage

The band once again hit the road for a European and North American tour in 2013.

18of 232014: Stevie Nicks onAmerican Horror Story: CovenLily Rabe (left) and Stevie Nicks on the 2014 episode “The Magical Delights of Stevie Nicks” from ‘American Horror Story: Coven’.FX Networks/Courtesy Everett CollectionIn 2014, Nicks appeared as a fictional version of herself on theAmerican Horror Story: Covenepisode “The Magical Delights of Stevie Nicks.” She returned to the anthology series in 2018 forAmerican Horror Story: Apocalypse.The appearance was a nod to the fact that Nicks' signature style (i.e. fringe, bohemian, lots of black) led to some rather silly rumors about her being a witch.“In the beginning of my career, the whole idea that some wacky, creepy people were writing, ‘You’re a witch, you’re a witch!’ was so arresting. And there I am like, ‘No, I’m not! I just wear black because it makes me look thinner, you idiots,’ " shetold theLos Angeles Timesin 2014.

18of 23

2014: Stevie Nicks onAmerican Horror Story: Coven

Lily Rabe (left) and Stevie Nicks on the 2014 episode “The Magical Delights of Stevie Nicks” from ‘American Horror Story: Coven’.FX Networks/Courtesy Everett Collection

FX Networks/Courtesy Everett Collection

In 2014, Nicks appeared as a fictional version of herself on theAmerican Horror Story: Covenepisode “The Magical Delights of Stevie Nicks.” She returned to the anthology series in 2018 forAmerican Horror Story: Apocalypse.

The appearance was a nod to the fact that Nicks' signature style (i.e. fringe, bohemian, lots of black) led to some rather silly rumors about her being a witch.

“In the beginning of my career, the whole idea that some wacky, creepy people were writing, ‘You’re a witch, you’re a witch!’ was so arresting. And there I am like, ‘No, I’m not! I just wear black because it makes me look thinner, you idiots,’ " shetold theLos Angeles Timesin 2014.

19of 232018: Another Fleetwood Mac Shake-UpStevie Nicks performs onstage during the 2018 iHeartRadio Music Festival at T-Mobile Arena on Sept. 21, 2018, in Las Vegas.Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesThe band’s journey — particularly Nicks' relationship with Buckingham — has always been a bit rocky, but five years later, in 2018, they made headlines once more when the rocker was fired from the group.Buckingham told PEOPLE in September 2021 that he’d be open to a reunion with his bandmates,contingent on a reconciliation with Nicks.

19of 23

2018: Another Fleetwood Mac Shake-Up

Stevie Nicks performs onstage during the 2018 iHeartRadio Music Festival at T-Mobile Arena on Sept. 21, 2018, in Las Vegas.Kevin Winter/Getty Images

The band’s journey — particularly Nicks' relationship with Buckingham — has always been a bit rocky, but five years later, in 2018, they made headlines once more when the rocker was fired from the group.

Buckingham told PEOPLE in September 2021 that he’d be open to a reunion with his bandmates,contingent on a reconciliation with Nicks.

20of 23

2019: Two-Time Hall of Famer

Harry Styles (right) presents Inductee Stevie Nicks (left) onstage at the 2019 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Barclays Center on March 29, 2019, in Brooklyn, N.Y.Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

21of 232022: Still Going StrongStevie Nicks performs live at the 2019 Pinkpop Festival in the Netherlands.Roberto Finizio/NurPhoto/Getty ImagesIn April 2022, Nicksannounced four new concertsas part of a limited summer and early fall tour, marking her first live shows before the COVID-19 pandemic’s onset in 2020.That same year, Nicks mourned the death of friend and bandmate Christine, whodied at 79 following a short illness.“See you on the other side, my love. Don’t forget me,” Nicks wrote as part of a moving tributeon X(formerly Twitter).

21of 23

2022: Still Going Strong

Stevie Nicks performs live at the 2019 Pinkpop Festival in the Netherlands.Roberto Finizio/NurPhoto/Getty Images

Roberto Finizio/NurPhoto/Getty Images

In April 2022, Nicksannounced four new concertsas part of a limited summer and early fall tour, marking her first live shows before the COVID-19 pandemic’s onset in 2020.

That same year, Nicks mourned the death of friend and bandmate Christine, whodied at 79 following a short illness.

“See you on the other side, my love. Don’t forget me,” Nicks wrote as part of a moving tributeon X(formerly Twitter).

22of 232024: “Live in Concert” TourStevie Nicks performs onstage at the 38th annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Nov. 3, 2023, in N.Y.C.Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagicNicks continued performing live on herStevie Nicks: Live in Concerttour. In February 2024, the singer announced that she was adding 12 additional shows to the lineup, extending the tour into June.“It’s a new year… Let’s keep this thing going!I’ve added 12 more showsto my 2024 tour. I can’t wait to see you all soon. ✨,” Nicks postedon Instagram.

22of 23

2024: “Live in Concert” Tour

Stevie Nicks performs onstage at the 38th annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Nov. 3, 2023, in N.Y.C.Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Nicks continued performing live on herStevie Nicks: Live in Concerttour. In February 2024, the singer announced that she was adding 12 additional shows to the lineup, extending the tour into June.

“It’s a new year… Let’s keep this thing going!I’ve added 12 more showsto my 2024 tour. I can’t wait to see you all soon. ✨,” Nicks postedon Instagram.

23of 232024: From One Poet to AnotherTaylor Swift (left) performs with Stevie Nicks at the 52nd annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Jan. 31, 2010.ROBYN BECK/AFP via GettyFor Swift’s 2024The Tortured Poets Department, Nicks penned a poem that served as the album’s prologue titled “For T and me…““He was in love with her / Or at least she thought so / She was brokenhearted / Maybe he was too,” Nicks begins the poem, which details a relationship between two ill-fated lovers — one “way too hot to handle” and the other “way too high to try.”

23of 23

2024: From One Poet to Another

Taylor Swift (left) performs with Stevie Nicks at the 52nd annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Jan. 31, 2010.ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty

For Swift’s 2024The Tortured Poets Department, Nicks penned a poem that served as the album’s prologue titled “For T and me…”

“He was in love with her / Or at least she thought so / She was brokenhearted / Maybe he was too,” Nicks begins the poem, which details a relationship between two ill-fated lovers — one “way too hot to handle” and the other “way too high to try.”

source: people.com