Annie Zaleski, author of *Stevie Nicks in 50 Songs*, explores Nicks’s lasting mystique and her influence on contemporary artists. Zaleski, who grew up surrounded by Fleetwood Mac’s music, emphasizes Nicks's profound impact on multiple generations of musicians, including Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Harry Styles.
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In an interview, Zaleski shared her fascination with Nicks's ability to resonate with younger audiences and her iconic status in the music world, likening Nicks's current popularity to that of contemporary stars like Taylor Swift. She expressed her enthusiasm for examining Nicks's journey, which includes her early struggles and her eventual rise to superstardom.
Zaleski detailed the challenges she faced while selecting the 50 songs for her book, explaining that some of the biggest hits, such as "Landslide" and "Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around," had to be included. She also aimed to highlight Nicks’s musical influences, including Joni Mitchell and Linda Ronstadt, and the artists she has inspired.
Reflecting on her first experience with Stevie Nicks's music, Zaleski recalled hearing songs like "I Can’t Wait" on Top 40 radio in the 1980s and being deeply influenced by Fleetwood Mac's albums while growing up.
When asked if Nicks would have achieved success without her partnership with Lindsey Buckingham, Zaleski acknowledged that while Nicks likely would have made a name for herself, the unique circumstances of her collaboration with Buckingham played a significant role in her success.
Zaleski noted the commonality among the artists she has written about, including the importance of resilience and the pursuit of artistic vision. The conversation also touched on the recent New York Times list of the 30 Greatest Living American Songwriters, where Zaleski firmly stated that Nicks should be included, highlighting her influence on numerous artists and her unique contributions as a woman in the music industry.