Stevie Nicks’ hit song “Landslide” has continued to resonate with listeners since its release in 1975.
Celebrating her 75th birthday on May 26, the Fleetwood Mac singer has built a legacy of fascinating songwriting, both as a soloist and as a band member of Fleetwood Mac.
Among his many iconic songs was the 1975 hit “Landslide,” which was first included on the band’s self-titled album. Fleetwood Mac same year – considered one of Nicks’ most important releases of all time.
Nicks’ 1975 version of “Landslide” topped numerous charts, including Billboard’s Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary’s Top 10. In 2021, it ranked 163rd on the list. rolling rock“The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time”.
Between Smashing Pumpkins’ cover of “Landslide” in 1994 and the Dixie Chicks’ chart-topping country rendition of 2002, the song touched a wide variety of musicians in a wide variety of genres.
While Nicks joined Fleetwood Mac as a vocalist in the ’70s, his influence on the music scene influenced a generation of modern hitmakers in the years that followed. Miley Cyrus covered the song “Landslide” at MusiCares Person of the Year in 2018 to honor Nicks and Fleetwood Mac, and in the following years many artists such as Harry Styles, Haim, Taylor Swift expressed their admiration for the legendary singer. .
Read on to find out the true story behind “The Landslide.”
Who wrote Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Landslide’?
Although “Landslide” was originally released on Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled album in 1975, Nicks is the only creditable songwriter on the track. However, bandmate and Nicks’ then-boyfriend Lindsey Buckingham provided some overdubs and a solo on the studio version – but other than that, the song is entirely owned by Nicks.
When was Fleetwood Mac’s song ‘Landslide’ written?
Nicks began his musical career as a folk-rock duo with then-boyfriend Buckingham, before joining Fleetwood Mac in 1975, which consisted only of Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie, and John McVie.
In 1973 the couple signed a record deal with Polydor Records. They released their first self-titled album, Buckingham nicknamesin 1973. However, the project was not a commercial success and the two were taken off the label.
Coming off a low-selling record, Nicks took a few jobs but continued to make music and write songs. Meanwhile, Buckingham was invited to play guitar on tour with the Everly Brothers.
Fleetwood Mac drummer and co-founder Fleetwood, seeking a replacement vocalist-guitarist, approached Buckingham to join his own rock band. After officially joining the band, Buckingham made it clear that he and Nicks were a package deal.
In 1975, Fleetwood Mac released “Landslide”, which was included on Nicks’ self-titled second album (the first with Nicks and Buckingham as part of the band) – which contributed in part. Fleetwood Mac It’s becoming one of the band’s greatest albums of all time.
What is Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Landslide’ about?
In 1973, Nicks traveled with Buckingham to Aspen, Colorado for a break on the Everly Brothers’ tour. “Landslide” was composed professionally between feelings of disappointment and his slowly deteriorating relationship with Buckingham.
The song begins like this: “I took my love, took it down / I climbed a mountain and came back.”
Nicks told New York Times That he wrote Landslide in 1973 when he was 27 years old. “I already felt old in so many ways,” Nicks said. “I’ve been a waitress and cleaner for years. I’m tired.”
Nicks said he wrote the song in about five minutes while looking at the Aspen mountains from his snowy window. “And I saw my reflection on the snow-capped peaks / Until the landslide washed over me.”
The lyrics continue to explore Nicks’ thoughts during this uncertain period of her career and her relationship with Buckingham. She compared the risks of an avalanche in the mountains to her own image and current challenges.
The song’s chorus reads, “And I saw my reflection on the snow-covered hills / ‘Till the landslide washes me over'”.
Look back at Nicks’ incredible career and celebrate his legacy with PEOPLE’s special edition book magazine. Stevie Nicks: The Timeless Goddess of Rock Turns 75 (currently on sale) and see some of the current music stars that have influenced it.