Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Today is birthday #73 for Stephanie “Stevie” Lynn Nicks, born on May 26,1948 in Arizona. She started singing with her grandfather when she was a toddler and was in a folk band by high school. When she was a senior, she met Lindsey Buckingham & joined his band. Eventually the two recorded their own album, Buckingham Nicks, in 1973. A year later, Mick Fleetwood invited Buckingham to join the drummer’s group. Buckingham agreed on the condition he could bring his girlfriend & partner with him, so Nicks joined the band as well. Fleetwood Mac went on to great success and Nicks also enjoyed a successful solo career beginning with her 1981 album, Bella Donna.

Just before her 29th birthday on May 21, 1977 Rumours became the #1 album in the country. It was the second time that year the album was in that position. The first time was on April 2 for two straight weeks, then again from May 21-July 15 for eight straight weeks. But then in what could only be called an unexpected upset Barry Manilow Live took over the #1 spot for one week. After that Rumours went back to first place for 19 straight weeks from July 23 – December 2, until Linda Ronstadt’s Simple Dreams usurped the top position and stayed there for the rest of the year.

But Rumours was not finished ruling the chart just yet. It went back to the top spot for the first two weeks of 1978 but on January 21 a dark cloud appeared in the form of Saturday Night Fever which became the country’s top selling album for 24 straight weeks (January 21 – July 7). I always say 1978 was a great year for music. I must have blocked this out for obvious reasons. Disco was not my thing.

Today’s song is not from Rumours but it is probably Nicks’ most well known track. It was on the band’s 1975 self-titled album, the first featuring her & Buckingham, and just before the songs based on their inner band romances & breakups propelled Fleetwood Mac into the legendary group they became. Happy birthday, Stevie Nicks. Here’s to 100 more.

“Well, I’ve been afraid of changin’
‘Cause I’ve built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I’m getting older too“.

Top: Stevie Nicks circa 2019. Bottom: Fleetwood Mac circa 1977 (L-R): Lindsey Buckingham, Nicks, Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie & John McVie. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Fleetwood Mac: “Landslide” (1975, written by Stevie Nicks).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.