The Famous Country Song Stevie Nicks Made For Dolly Parton
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 26: Honorees Stevie Nicks (R) and John McVie of Fleetwood Mac perform onstage during MusiCares Person of the Year honoring Fleetwood Mac at Radio City Music Hall on January 26, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)
Stevie Nicks, the iconic frontwoman of Fleetwood Mac, is renowned for her ethereal voice and haunting lyrics. But before she became a rock legend, Nicks penned a poignant country ballad that would later find its way into the hearts of millions. This lesser-known gem, titled “After the Glitter Fades,” was originally written for Dolly Parton and later covered by Glen Campbell.
The song offers a glimpse into Nicks’ early songwriting days, when she was still finding her footing in the music industry. Before joining Fleetwood Mac in 1974, Nicks and her then-partner, Lindsey Buckingham, were struggling to make a name for themselves.
They had been dropped from their label and were living a modest life in Los Angeles. It was during this time that Nicks penned “After the Glitter Fades”, a song that captured the allure and disillusionment of the entertainment industry.
A Premonition of the Future
Before joining Fleetwood Mac, Nicks penned several songs that would later foreshadow her journey to stardom. “After the Glitter Fades” is exactly that, and it wa swritten in 1972, years before she would achieve mainstream success.
Despite not making it to Dolly, who Nicks had envisioned as the perfect interpreter, “After the Glitter Fades” would eventually find its way into the world. Nicks released it on her 1981 solo debut album, Bella Donna, where it quickly became a fan favorite.
The track’s title, “After the Glitter Fades,” seems prophetic in light of Nicks’ later experiences in the music industry. As she rose to fame with Fleetwood Mac, Nicks would undoubtedly encounter both the glitz and glamour, as well as the challenges and disappointments that come with being a public figure.
A Glimpse into the Hollywood Dream
Nicks’ lyrics offered a prophetic glimpse into the highs and lows of fame. She sang of the intoxicating thrill of success, the loneliness of a one-night stand, and the enduring dream that kept her going despite the challenges. “After the Glitter Fades” climbed the charts, peaking at No. 32 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song’s poignant lyrics resonated with audiences, capturing the allure and disillusionment of the entertainment industry. Nicks’ powerful vocals and the track’s infectious melody made it a fan favorite.
Bella Donna was a critical and commercial success, featuring other hits like “Edge of Seventeen”, “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around”, and “Leather and Lace”The album solidified Nicks’ status as a solo artist and cemented her place in music history.
