The Time Jimi Hendrix Dedicated A Song To Stevie Nicks
via Jimi Hendrix / Youtube
Over the years, many musicians have been impacted by Jimi Hendrix’s tremendous influence, which has left an enduring impression on the music industry. Fleetwood Mac songstress Stevie Nicks was one of his first admirers, which adds an interesting dimension to the legendary guitarist’s influence in the business.
Nicks and her then-boyfriend Lindsey Buckingham had the extraordinary opportunity of opening for the late great Jimi Hendrix before they started their adventure as Buckingham Nicks and long before they played important roles in Fleetwood Mac.
This point in the history of rock ‘n’ roll is symbolic of the timeless story of a rising star opening for a legendary musician, only to go on to become just as famous themselves. Still, there’s something really endearing about the relationship between Nicks and Hendrix.
Jimi went above and beyond the customary opening act recognition during their joint performance by dedicating a song to Stevie. Nicks still treasures the memories of this amazing deed, which marked a pivotal point in her career.
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Stevie’s old band opened for Jimi Hendrix
In the latter part of the 1960s, Stevie was touring extensively with Lindsey and the band Fritz; this was earlier in her career than Buckingham Nicks’ founding and their later affiliation with Fleetwood Mac. Answering questions from Uncle Joe Benson on the Ultimate Classic Rock Nights radio show, Nicks revealed details about a turning point in her career.
Nicks talked nostalgically about the moment her adoration for Jimi Hendrix blossomed, linking it to a life-changing occasion when Fritz got to open for the renowned guitarist. Recalling the occasion, she painted a clear picture of an enormous San Francisco show with perhaps twenty bands on the bill, Jimi Hendrix unquestionably at the top.
She expressed the profound effect of that encounter, “I was inspired by Jimi Hendrix from a rock standpoint, because Lindsay and I got to open for him. It was a big, huge show in San Francisco. There was like 20 bands on; there was you, there were 15 more bands, and then there was Jimi Hendrix.”
This particular event not only marked a momentous occasion for Nicks, but it also highlighted the gravity of taking the stage with a rock icon such as Hendrix during a pivotal moment in the late 1960s music landscape.
“He looked over at me and said, ‘This is for you, babe’”
After opening for the great guitarist, Nicks received an unexpected but touching surprise from him that had a lasting impact on her path to becoming the frontwoman of Fleetwood Mac.
She talked about the special opportunity that came with opening for Hendrix, which was to watch his performance from the side of the stage, recalling the unforgettable encounter. In the interview, Nicks reminisced about the extraordinary encounter and expressed her happiness at the surprise gesture.
“The perk that you get when you do that is that you get to be on the side of the stage when Jimi Hendrix goes on. And he actually dedicated a song to me. He looked over at me and said, ‘This is for you, babe.’ And I’m like, ‘You’re awesome! You are so awesomely cute and handsome and you play so amazing and thank you, Jimi!'” Nicks enthused.
Hendrix’s candid acknowledgment emphasized not only his captivating onstage character but also brought a human element to their artistic relationship. Nicks’ appreciation and gratitude for Hendrix’s skill and charisma were evident, resulting in a treasured experience that remained in her mind as a reminder of the allure of the early years of the late 1960s rock movement.
The influence of Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin on Stevie
Fritz happened to be the opening act for both Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin during that time, two iconic artists who both ended up joining the notorious 27 Club. Nicks discussed the insightful lessons she learned from performing on stage with these legendary performers in an interview with the Telegraph from 2011.
“[F]rom Janis, I learned that to succeed as a female musician in a male-dominated industry is going to be challenging, and you need to maintain a confident demeanor,” Nicks said.
On the other hand, Nicks received a different set of values from Jimi Hendrix. Beyond just being a musical inspiration, Hendrix’s impact extended to concepts of elegant navigation in the music industry and the significance of humility despite blossoming success. She said, “From Jimi, I learned grace and humility.”
Interestingly, Hendrix’s impact went beyond just his songs. In a 1997 interview with BAM Magazine, Nicks shared that she was influenced by Jimi Hendrix’s eye-catching stage costumes. Nicks’ ambition to have a similar dress after seeing Hendrix’s eye-catching white fringe outfit highlights the multifarious impact the renowned guitarist had on her.
