(Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
From the early success of her joining Fleetwood Mac to her soaring solo career and unforgettable collaborations, we look at the images that represent the life of an icon. We recommend listening to our 'I Like: Stevie Nicks' playlist on Spotify while you're reading this article...
Stephanie "Stevie" Nicks was born in Phoenix, Arizona on this day in 1948. Her first band, Fritz - a psychedelic rock band with then partner Lindsey Buckingham, developed a loyal live following from touring with Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin from 1968-71.
1973
After Fritz disbanded in 1972, Nicks and Buckingham continued to write as a duo, landing a record deal with Polydor Records, releasing an album Buckingham Nicks in 1973, however, the album was not a commercial success.
1974
Despite the live shows that Nicks and Buckingham performed together to support the album, Polydor dropped the pair from the label. To support herself and Buckingham, Nicks worked a variety of jobs, which included waiting tables and a stint cleaning engineer/producer Keith Olsen's house.
(Photo by Richard McCaffrey/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
1975
Nicks and Buckingham joined Fleetwood Mac in January 1975, six weeks after Keith Olsen played their track "Frozen Love" for drummer Mick Fleetwood, and after Lindsey Buckingham has insisted the pair comes as a "package deal". The first rehearsals confirmed they were the right fit, the harmonies of the newcomers adding a pop accessibility to the hard rock. During their final shows performing as Buckingham Nicks, they announced that they had joined Fleetwood Mac.
Fleetwood Mac (Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns/Getty Images)
In 1975, the band achieved worldwide success with their self-titled album Fleetwood Mac. "Rhiannon", which appeared on the album, was voted as one of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time by Rolling Stone. Her live performances of the song throughout the decade began to take on a theatrical intensity that is now legendary.
(Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns/Getty Images)
Also in 1975, Nicks worked with clothing designer Margi Kent to develop Nicks's unique onstage look, with costumes that featured flowing skirts, shawls, and platform boots.
(Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns/Getty Images)
(Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns/Getty Images)
1976
Fleetwood Mac began recording Rumours, of which Nick's major contribution was "Dreams", which became the bands only #1 hit.
(Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Tour bus, 1976 (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
1977
The Rumours tour continued through 77-78, and at the end of that phase, the band began writing Tusk.
(Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
(Photo by Richard McCaffrey/ Michael Ochs Archive/ Getty Images)
1978
Fleetwood Mac wins Best Pop Rock Album at The American Music Awards, and Album of the Year for Rumours at the Grammy Awards.
With her Mother, Barbara Nicks (Photo by Ron Galella/WireImage/Getty Images)
20th Annual Grammy Awards, 1978 (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
(Photo by Richard E. Aaron/Redferns/Getty Images)
1980
The period of 1978-80 included more World tours and also an opportunity for Stevie to reflect on songs she had written before Fleetwood Mac that were never used, and also began writing for her solo record.
(Photo by Richard E. Aaron/Redferns/Getty Images)
1981
Stevie Nicks released her first solo record, Bella Donna, which went straight to the top of the charts, and received widespread critical and commercial acclaim. It reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart, with four singles making the Billboard Hot 100, and Rolling Stone deeming her "the Reigning Queen of Rock and Roll".
It was also during this time that she made occasional guest appearances with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers on their Hard Promises tour. "Stop Dragging My Heart Around" written by Tom Petty was the first single released from Bella Donna.
The two went on to be life-long friends.
(Photo by Larry Hulst/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage/Getty Images)
1983
Nicks released her second solo album, The Wild Heart, in 1983. The album went double platinum, reached number five on the Billboard 200 albums chart, and featured three hit singles including "Stand Back" which Stevie performed on Saturday Night Live.
(Photo by Ebet Roberts/Redferns/Getty Images)
1987
Nicks toured for Rock A Little in 1986, before joining Bob Dylan and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers during their tour in Australia. Returning to the US in 1987 to attend the MTV Music Awards with Fleetwood Mac, and release Tango In The Night.
Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks, MTV Awards 1987 (Photo by Barry King/WireImage/Getty Images)
1988
Following the release of Fleetwood Mac's Tango In The Night album (their second most successful album behind Rumours) the band toured Europe. 1989 also marked the first time Stevie had toured Europe as a solo artist.
Rotterdam, 1988 (Photo by Paul Bergen/Redferns/Getty Images)
1991
On the 10th anniversary of her solo career debut, Nicks released Timespace: The Best of Stevie Nicks in 1991, and the following year, Fleetwood Mac also released a four-disc box set, 25 Years – The Chain.
(Photo by Ian Dickson/Redferns/Getty Images)
1994
Nicks released her fifth solo album, Street Angel, recorded during 1992 and 1993 using material written mostly in previous years was released in 1994.
(Photo by Frank Micelotta/ImageDirect/Getty Images)
1998
In 1998, she joined Fleetwood Mac for their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. That same year, Fleetwood Mac was awarded the Outstanding Contribution at the BRIT Awards.
(Photo by JMEnternational/Redferns/Getty Images)
2018
The 60th Annual Grammy Awards honors Fleetwood Mac with the MusiCares Person of the Year Award at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
(Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for NARAS)
(Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for NARAS)
