Stevie Nicks, like Janis Joplin have shortcomings, falls, tears, and brought us closer to her own imperfection. Her figures are so effusive, so human, that they seem unreal. Sometimes, they are also ephemeral, as if subject to a flicker. They reveal deep passions, perhaps sadness, love or even loneliness. But they are celebrated by their faithful, their rock devotees and their voices. Through them, they want to find paths that lead them home.
On May 26, 1948, Stephanie Lynn Nicks was born, better known to all simply as Stevie Nicks. One of the most important voices in the history of music that captivated millions thanks to the deep lyrics that he composes, full of catchy melodies that stay in your head from the first second.
The singer undoubtedly set a precedent for women in rock and inspired many girls to pick up a guitar and freely express what they felt through songs and one of her inspirations was Janis Joplin. Whether as a member of Flewtwood Mac or in her solo career, this great singer is a legend, so much so that she can boast of being the only woman to enter the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice.
Both Janis and Stevie have met and here’s what happened during that encounter:
It was in the late 60s before Nicks and Buckingham joined Fleetwood Mac, they were together in a band called Fritz, Nicks’ career was blossoming at some point that time, and managed to open for Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix.
“It was a big huge show in San Francisco,” Nicks revealed during an interview on the Ultimate Classic Rock Nights radio show. “There was like 20 bands on; there was you, there was 15 more bands, and then there was Jimi Hendrix.” Nicks has acknowledged the two legends for influencing her artistry.
The two-time hall of famer didn’t mind when she was yelled off stage by Janis Joplin and even considered it as “One of the Greatest Honors of [Her] Life.”
Nicks later said of the incident (per AP News), “Being yelled off the stage by Janis Joplin was one of the greatest honors of my life.” Stevie really got a big admiration and adored Janis so much but sadly, Janis Joplin never got to see or hear Nicks works with Fleetwood Mac.
“From Janis, I learned that to make it as a female musician in a man’s world is gonna be tough, and you need to keep your head held high,” Nicks said. “From Jimi, I learned grace and humility.”
Both these two women of rock and roll were inducted into the Hall of Fame, Nicks twice as a member of Fleetwood Mac in 1998 and again as a solo artist in 2019, while the singer of “Cry Baby” in 1995.