Why did Stevie Nicks share her old family letter about Buckingham Nicks?
Rock fans around the world are buzzing after Stevie Nicks shared a deeply personal handwritten letter she wrote to her family while recording the legendary Buckingham Nicks album over 50 years ago. The timing couldn’t be more perfect – this nostalgic revelation coincides with the long-awaited reissue of the iconic 1973 record that launched two unknown musicians into rock history.
The Letter That Time Forgot
Writing on Instagram, Nicks revealed, “I wanted to share this letter I wrote to my family while Lindsey and I were making Buckingham Nicks. My mom saved it and it’s been in a drawer for over 50 years.” Can you imagine discovering such a treasure after half a century?
The letter, written on official Sound City Studios stationery, captures a young Stevie at 25 years old, dreaming big while grinding through 12-hour recording sessions. “I am getting very tired of sitting around listening to 12 hours of music per day,” she wrote to her mother, father, and brother Chris. “I know it will pay off in the end, and when I am sitting in my small but luxurious Beverly Hills home overlooking my small but tasteful pool that is totally secluded… it will all be worth it.”
What did Stevie Nicks predict about Lindsey Buckingham’s guitar playing?
Young Stevie’s musical instincts were absolutely spot-on. In the letter, she told her family that Lindsey “may go down in history as one of ‘greats’ in guitar playing. It really is quite amazing.” Talk about calling your shot! This prediction would prove prophetic as Buckingham became one of rock’s most innovative guitarists.
How did the Buckingham Nicks album change music history?
The album that nobody bought in 1973 accidentally became the key to rock immortality. Buckingham Nicks made next to no impact until, on a tour of the studio, Mick Fleetwood heard it playing by accident and the path to the duo joining his band was set.
Rock historian Richie Unterberger explains that when Mick Fleetwood visited Sound City Studios, producer Keith Olsen played tape from Buckingham Nicks to showcase the studio’s capabilities. The album made such an impression on Fleetwood that he invited Buckingham to join the band, with one crucial condition: “Buckingham said, ‘I can’t go into the band just by myself. You’ll also have to take Stevie Nicks.'”
What makes the Buckingham Nicks reissue so special for classic rock fans?
After decades of being one of the most sought-after lost albums in classic rock, Buckingham Nicks has finally been remastered from the original analog master tapes and released on vinyl, CD, and digital formats for the first time. Classic rock artists rarely get second chances like this – but this album deserved it.
The reissue showcases “Nicks and Buckingham’s tightly wound harmonies and sharply contrasting songwriting voices across 10 tracks—ranging from the folk-rock shimmer of ‘Crystal’ to the sunbaked strut of ‘Don’t Let Me Down Again.'”
How are fans reacting to the Buckingham Nicks revelation?
The response has been overwhelmingly emotional. One fan commented, “So happy to see this re-released after so long. All we ever were able to hear were bootlegs, which we despise, until today.” Another wrote, “Pretty wise man ol’ Mick Fleetwood even at a young age. Thank you for the music Stevie Nicks.”
What does this mean for classic rock news and music history?
This classic rock news story represents more than just nostalgia – it’s a masterclass in how great music finds its audience, even decades later. The album “has taken its rightful place in history as their origin story for the ultimate rock & roll dysfunctional romance” between two of music’s most compelling figures.
Stevie’s letter ends with the prophetic words, “hold good thoughts about this thing.” Those good thoughts turned into one of the most successful partnerships in rock history, even if the path was anything but smooth.
What can we learn from Stevie Nicks’ early confidence?
The letter reveals an artist who believed in her destiny before anyone else did. At 25, working as a waitress by night and recording by day, Stevie Nicks was already envisioning her future success with remarkable clarity. Her unwavering faith in the Buckingham Nicks project, despite its initial commercial failure, offers inspiration to aspiring musicians everywhere.
The reissue of Buckingham Nicks isn’t just about rediscovering a lost album – it’s about celebrating the moment when two young dreamers created something magical, even if the world wasn’t ready to listen yet.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an independent classic rock journalist, I may earn a small commission if you purchase music or merchandise through links in my articles. This helps support my coverage of classic rock news and artists.
Sources:
- https://www.loudersound.com/bands-artists/stevie-nicks-shares-letter-she-wrote-to-her-family-whilst-recording-buckingham-nicks
- https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/stevie-nicks-pre-fame-letter-parents-buckingham-nicks-1235432949/
- https://www.nme.com/news/music/stevie-nicks-shares-unearthed-pre-fame-letter-sent-to-her-parents-it-will-pay-off-in-the-end-3894477
- https://www.npr.org/2025/07/29/nx-s1-5483555/stevie-nicks-lindsey-buckingham-album-reissue-fleetwood-mac-history
- https://buckinghamnicks.com/
- https://parade.com/news/stevie-nicks-lindsey-buckingham-album-fleetwood-mac-changed-music-history
