Long before Stevie Nicks became one of rock music’s most celebrated voices, she was simply an ambitious young songwriter chasing a dream—and drawing inspiration from an artist she believed set the gold standard for songwriting.

A now-famous letter that Nicks wrote to her parents in 1973 captured the determination that would eventually define her career. In it, the future Fleetwood Mac star reassured her family that success was within reach, even after years of uncertainty. With Lindsey Buckingham by her side, Nicks believed they were finally creating the kind of music that could change their lives.

At the time, however, stardom still seemed distant. Just one year later, Nicks and Buckingham would join Fleetwood Mac, launching one of the most successful chapters in rock history. But in 1973, there were no guarantees. The music world was dominated by groundbreaking releases such as Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon and Marvin Gaye’s Let’s Get It On, making the path for emerging artists even more challenging.

Rather than feeling intimidated by the remarkable talent surrounding her, Nicks found motivation in it. She embraced the creativity of the era, allowing it to shape her own songwriting style. Among all the artists who inspired her, one stood above the rest—Joni Mitchell.

For Nicks, Mitchell proved that deeply personal storytelling could become universally meaningful. At a time when the music industry remained heavily male-dominated, Mitchell demonstrated that female songwriters could command attention through honesty, vulnerability, and unforgettable melodies.

Nicks has often credited Mitchell’s Court and Spark as a major influence, believing its blend of intimate lyrics and accessible pop sensibilities helped pave the way for songs like “Dreams,” which would later become one of Fleetwood Mac’s signature hits.

Years after achieving worldwide fame, Nicks finally had the opportunity to meet the artist who had inspired her from the very beginning. Despite decades of success, she admitted the encounter left her feeling unexpectedly nervous.

“I said, ‘If it wasn’t for you, I would not be standing here,'” Nicks recalled telling Mitchell.

She then shared the compliment she had carried with her for years.

“‘You, in my opinion, are the greatest singer-songwriter ever.'”

After embracing Mitchell, Nicks quickly ended the conversation before her musical hero could even respond.

“Then I gave her a hug and I just walked away, ’cause I didn’t even want her to start to say anything back,” she said with a laugh. “She’s a little scary, you know.”

The moment reflected just how much Mitchell’s influence had stayed with Nicks throughout her career. Even after becoming a legendary artist herself, she found herself feeling like the determined young songwriter from 1973 once again.

For Stevie Nicks, Joni Mitchell wasn’t simply an inspiration—she was the artist who showed her what was possible, helping shape the voice and confidence that would eventually make Nicks one of rock’s most enduring icons.

Source: Various Sources.