Stevie Nicks Unearths 50-Year-Old Letter from Buckingham Nicks Sessions
via Stevie Nicks / YouTube
The recent reissue of Buckingham Nicks, the pre-Fleetwood Mac album from Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, has sparked a wave of nostalgia and reflection. Among the treasures that surfaced during this revival was a heartfelt letter written by Nicks to her family more than 50 years ago. Saved by her mother and tucked away in a drawer, the letter offers a candid glimpse into Nicks’ mindset during the duo’s uncertain early days.
Shared on Instagram, Nicks explained how the rediscovery felt both humorous and touching. The words capture the excitement, frustration, and optimism of a young artist on the brink of stardom. At that time, Nicks and Buckingham were working tirelessly at Sound City Recording Studio, hoping that their big break was finally within reach.
While the album itself initially failed to make waves, the letter now serves as a reminder of how close history came to taking a different turn. It stands as both a personal keepsake and an unexpected gift to fans who have long been fascinated by the origins of Fleetwood Mac’s most iconic members.
Recording at Sound City
In the letter, Nicks sets the scene with a mix of humor and honesty. She describes long days at the “famous” Sound City Recording Studio, noting how draining it was to listen to hours upon hours of music. Despite the exhaustion, she assures her family that the effort would eventually pay off. With her trademark wit, she even jokes about one day relaxing by a private pool, enjoying the rewards of her hard work.
Her words reveal the blend of fatigue and hope that marks the journey of many young musicians. For Nicks, there was already a strong belief that something big was on the horizon. Even as she vented about the daily grind, her optimism shone through in her playful tone.
These passages show an artist who, though not yet famous, already carried the resilience and humor that would later define her career. They remind us that behind every legendary album are countless hours of patience, persistence, and small moments of levity.
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Early Signs of Greatness
The letter also captures a fascinating moment in the creative process. Nicks mentions a track that would eventually become “Don’t Treat Me Like a Stranger,” noting how well the song was coming together. She excitedly points out the impressive guitar work by Lindsey Buckingham, predicting that he could go down in history as one of the greats.
This casual observation now feels prophetic. Buckingham’s innovative guitar style would later become one of Fleetwood Mac’s defining sounds, cementing his reputation as an influential musician. To see Nicks recognize his brilliance at such an early stage is a rare glimpse into their partnership.
It also shows how collaborative their dynamic was, with Nicks eager to share not just her own progress but also her admiration for Buckingham’s talents. The letter, therefore, becomes more than just a note home—it’s a snapshot of a creative duo sharpening the skills that would soon change rock history.
A Turning Point Toward Fame
Nicks closes the letter with a request for her family to “hold good thoughts about this thing,” reflecting both hope and uncertainty. Though Buckingham Nicks initially failed to make a commercial impact, fate had other plans. A chance encounter at Sound City, where Mick Fleetwood happened to hear the album, changed everything.
That single moment set the course for Fleetwood Mac’s most celebrated era. Nicks and Buckingham were invited to join the band, and within just a few years, their music would reach millions worldwide. The dreams Nicks playfully described in her letter soon became reality, though in ways she couldn’t have imagined.
The resurfaced letter is more than just a curiosity—it’s a time capsule. It shows how ambition, persistence, and a little luck can turn quiet struggles into legendary success. For fans, it’s an intimate reminder that even the most iconic careers begin with humble hopes scribbled on paper.
