This is how close Stevie Nicks came to country music

(Source: Far Out / Atlantic Catalog Group)

Wed 4 September 2024 20:30, UK

Stevie Nicks may be one of the most celebrated women in rock, but she's also one of the most underrated. That's not just because the achievements of others sometimes overshadow hers, but because there are enduring expectations about what her music should sound like. While Nicks' contributions to Fleetwood Mac continue to be played frequently, her work as a solo artist rarely receives the same attention.

There are several reasons for this. One of them is that anyone who leaves a globally known band to pursue a solo career faces an uphill battle. For Nicks, however, this challenge was compounded by imposter syndrome and a sense of disorientation, often leaving her unsure where to find inspiration when she needed it most.

When she finally knew what to do, she realized she just needed to go back to the basics and start from scratch all this time. Nick's charm was always rooted in her ability to blend rock with quirky folk and pop sensibilities, but she also drew on the best of genres across the musical spectrum – from the raw energy of blues to the power of country.

Country in its most traditional form is not a label one normally associates with Nicks, but the many influences she surrounded herself with and was unexpectedly inspired by eventually seeped into her world, leading to layered musical experiences and songs like “Leather and Lace.” The song came about after the King of Outlaw himself, Waylon Jennings, asked her to write a song for him, so she naturally put herself in the shoes of a country romantic singing a duet with his wife.

The track has a distinct country feel from the moment the guitars kick in. Nick's voice, with its melodic accessibility and thoughtful themes, enhances this atmosphere and makes the song slide effortlessly into country territory. The typical arrangements of country, such as acoustic guitars, emotional vocals and the competing perspectives between Nicks and Don Henley, make this reminiscent of classic country duets, not too far removed from those of the great country partners of our time, such as Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton.

Nicks has dabbled in country music before, such as the song she wrote with Dolly Parton in mind – “After the Glitter Fades” – but “Leather and Lace” feels more like a conscious foray into that direction, especially considering its origins. Her voice always has a rich and textured feel, but this song also takes that to a new level, its sentimental quality conveying a sense of nostalgic longing and personal reflection.

The emotions you hear aren't artificial either – Nicks and Henley had been together for a while at the time the song was recorded, and Henley only stepped in because Jennings had already split from his wife Jessi Colter at the time it was recorded. Despite the sudden change, however, it became one of Nicks' favorite memories of her entire music career.

She later recalled, “It became one of the most extraordinary love songs I ever wrote… and it still is today, after all these years. All in all, it was an unforgettable experience, just like him. The blame lies on my wild heart.”