Stevie Nicks, the Patron Saint of rock lessons learned

The 77 year old Stevie Nicks will be the subject of two books dedicated to her. The first is titled “Stevie Nicks in 50 Songs”edited by the music journalist Annie Zaleski. So described by the publisher: “not just a musical biography. It’s a deep dive into her powerful songwriting and myth-making. The book analyzes iconic songs such as “Rhiannon”, inspired by Welsh mythology, “Landslide”, written during a crucial moment in her relationship with Lindsey Buckingham, and “Stand Back”, created with Prince’s uncredited collaboration on synthesizer. Stevie Nicks’ “50 Songs” includes Fleetwood Mac hits such as “Dreams” and “Gold Dust Woman,” along with cult classics from the Buckingham/Nicks era and her solo work, such as “Edge of Seventeen.” The book includes rare photos and offers surprising insights into her personal life: her friendships, her struggle with addiction and her political commitment.”

The second volume concerning her is
“Lessons & Lace: Everything I Know About Dreams, Heartbreak, and Magic I Learned from Stevie Nicks
” written by the music journalist
Rachel Brodsky
. This draws on her personal story and Nicks’ most meaningful quotes to inspire life-changing lessons, told with a unique style of truth-telling that’s both down-to-earth and filled with otherworldly vision. The title, whose name is a play on words with his song
“Leather and lace”
recorded in duet with
Don Henley
included on his 1981 solo debut album,
“Pretty Woman”
.

The press release states: “Stevie Nicks is rock’s Patron Saint of Lessons Learned, but to get to this point she had to endure a world that underestimated, misunderstood, dismissed and mocked her. She battled sexist narratives, helped popularize a struggling mid-level rock band, became a successful soloist and conquered addiction, all while staying in touch with her creativity, authenticity and mysticism.”