Some songs have a way of sticking with you forever. They blend genres, evoke emotions, and leave an indelible mark on those who hear them. For Stevie Nicks, one such song comes from the Eagles’ impressive catalog.
While promoting her album In Your Dreams, Nicks shared her admiration for the Eagles during an appearance on BBC Radio 2’s Tracks of My Years. She chose their 1972 hit “Witchy Woman” as her opening pick, describing it as a flawless fusion of country and rock and roll.
The song’s impact on Nicks goes beyond admiration. She reflected on how the Eagles’ groundbreaking sound influenced her and Lindsey Buckingham during their early days, shaping their musical journey. It’s a testament to how powerful music can transcend time and inspire generations.
A Musical Bond Between Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham
In the mid-1970s, Fleetwood Mac found new life as a pop-rock powerhouse, thanks to the reunion of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. Their journey together began years earlier during Nicks’ senior year at Menlo-Atherton High School, where they performed “California Dreamin’” at a Young Life Club event. That moment sparked a connection that would shape their future.
The duo’s bond deepened as they attended San José State University. However, they soon left academia behind to chase their musical dreams. Their first major collaboration was with the psychedelic rock band Fritz, a stepping stone that allowed them to hone their craft.
After Fritz disbanded in 1972, Nicks and Buckingham released Buckingham Nicks, an album that flew under the radar but showcased their undeniable talent. Though it didn’t achieve the success it deserved at the time, it laid the foundation for their legendary careers.
The Rise of Stevie and Lindsey in Fleetwood Mac
In the late 1970s, while Lindsey Buckingham toured as a guitarist with the Everly Brothers, Stevie Nicks poured her energy into songwriting. During this period, she created timeless classics like “Rhiannon” and “Landslide,” both deeply personal reflections of her life and her complicated relationship with Buckingham.
Their journey with Fleetwood Mac began in 1974 when producer Keith Olsen introduced them to Mick Fleetwood. Buckingham initially joined the band as a guitarist, but only on the condition that Nicks would be included as well. Fleetwood agreed, recognizing the potential of adding another talented singer-songwriter to the group.
Nicks’ contributions proved invaluable to Fleetwood Mac. Her songs “Landslide” and “Rhiannon” helped make their self-titled 1975 album a major success. The band reached even greater heights with Rumours in 1977, cementing their legacy as one of the most iconic rock bands of all time.
On the Magic of “Witchy Woman”
Reflecting on her early days in Los Angeles, Stevie Nicks shared how the Eagles left a lasting impression on her and Lindsey Buckingham. “The Eagles were famous before Lindsey and I moved to Los Angeles,” she said. She recalled driving to LA while listening to “Witchy Woman,” thinking, “What a great song it was.” Like many women at the time, she confessed, “We were all hoping that we would actually be the witchy woman.”
Nicks also revealed a fascinating tidbit about the song’s inspiration. “I even do know who the actual witchy woman was; it was someone who became a very famous jeweller.” This connection shows just how intertwined the Eagles’ music was with the culture and personalities of the era.
The Eagles influenced Nicks and Buckingham deeply, particularly their seamless blend of country and rock. “We loved their singing, and we loved their ability to bridge country and rock and roll so beautifully,” Nicks said. Calling “Witchy Woman” the “perfect mix of country and rock and roll,” she credited the Eagles for inspiring their own musical journey.
The Origins of “Witchy Woman”
Eagles guitarist Bernie Leadon began crafting “Witchy Woman” while still a member of the Flying Burrito Brothers. After joining the Eagles, he teamed up with Don Henley to complete the song. Notably, it became the only track on the Eagles’ debut album where Henley received a writing credit.
Henley, living in an old house near the Hollywood Bowl with his roommate Henry Vine (nicknamed “Blitz”), recalled how the song came together. “[Leadon] came over one day and started playing this strange, minor-key riff… it had a haunting quality, and I thought it was interesting, so we put a rough version of it down on a cassette tape,” Henley explained.
To give the song its unique vibe, Henley added an R&B pulse to its haunting melody. The result was a track that seamlessly blended eerie tones with rhythmic energy, setting the stage for its iconic place in the Eagles’ catalog.