Would There Be Lady Gaga Without Stevie Nicks?

[vivfox]

September 09, 2009 by Chris McLeod


When rock star Stevie Nicks joined Fleetwood Mac in 1975, she was not exactly on the "Edge of Seventeen" (if you know Nicks' music, you'll get the reference). In fact, Stevie Nicks was 27 years old when she got her big break. Sure there were other female rock stars before Stevie Nicks. Who can forget Janis Joplin and Grace Slick (both influenced Nicks)? But few have had the lasting impact of Stevie Nicks. Nicks' music affected and continues to affect people in a way that truly cannot be described in a short article. Her lyrics were mystical, yet they still hit home with the average Joe's and Jane's of the world. Let's face it, who cannot relate to "Landslide" in some way? We've all "been afraid of changing" at some point, right?

However, Stevie Nicks' impact didn't only reach those searching for an attractive, cool, eccentric woman in rock whose instantly recognizable voice could hold up with the best of the rock guys. In fact, Fleetwood Mac's impact is probably considered more of a "pop" impact than a rock impact; although those who have seen Fleetwood Mac live know that they can bring down the house like Led Zeppelin. Stevie Nicks' influence, whether with Fleetwood Mac or as a solo artist, is also very prevalent in fashion. She was really the first female pop/rock star to literally create her own unique stage attire.

In 1995, Stevie Nicks told 96.1 WSRS that she sought out designer Margie Kent (who she still uses to this day) and said "I need to have a uniform...we can make three skirts, three tops, and have your shoes...a couple of wraps and jackets and you're ready to go." And Stevie has basically stuck to this "uniform," although she has tweaked it and played with throughout her entire career. The platform boots have gone in and out of style numerous times during her lengthy and successful career, but Nicks never wavers. She knew what she wanted, she made it happen; musically and stylistically. Stevie Nicks made it OK for women in rock and pop (yes Madonna, even you owe a little credit to Stevie) to wear something different than the guys, and definitely something different than anything one might see on someone in the grocery store.

Lady Gaga, just starting her career (it has been a very successful start), has explored fashion in a way that no other female artist has done since Madonna. Sometimes she looks like she's wearing lingerie, sometimes she looks like a biker or a plant. But she never looks average. You wouldn't see her outfits on someone in a grocery store, or a bank. But would she really look that crazy standing next to a 61 year old Stevie Nicks (yeah, hard to believe isn't it?) who would probably be wearing a top hat with 24" feathers, a black chiffon skirt, top with bat wings, and platform boots? More importantly, if artists like Stevie Nicks had not decided a long time ago that it was ok to look different as long as you own it, would Lady Gaga's look be as accepted as it is today? I tend to think not.

Miley Cyrus is a good example of the anti-Stevie Nicks/Lady Gaga. Sure, "Party in the USA" is catchy, and her voice isn't that bad. But she doesn't have her own unique style to go with it. Her stage presence consists of bobbing up and down out, peace signs, and cutesy winks and nods. Her style is weathered jeans, layered tank tops, and tennis shoes. Wow, remind you of Middle Schools all over America? Her clothing line is being sold exclusively at Wal-Mart of all places. Anyone check Wal-Mart lately for a chiffon skirt with matching wings and cape? Ok, maybe during Halloween, but that's about it!

Stevie Nicks is often remembered for her style of clothing well before she is remembered for her vast array of hits. She's been a hit in the music industry for over 34 years. Will Miley Cyrus be remembered and loved in 34 years? I doubt it. Would Nicks' hits like "Landslide," "Gold Dust Woman," "Rhiannon," "Gypsy," and "Edge of Seventeen" be the same without the stage persona and style that Stevie Nicks presents with each tune? I can't imagine "Gold Dust Woman" without thinking of Stevie Nicks in her shimmering gold cape delicately draped over her small frame. Sure, Lady Gaga's style is sporadic, and maybe one doesn't associate a particular outfit with "Poker Face," but her style has definitely become an important part of her career. Lady Gaga should send a "Thank You" note to Stevie Nicks for making paving the way.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/art...ut_stevie.html

[goldustsongbird]

I want to punch Miley in her bloated inbred face.

[BombaySapphire3]

I don't get why all these articles say that Stevie was 27 when she joined Fleetwood Mac, she was in fact 26.Although Stevie herself thinks she was 28..strange.As for Lady GaGa ..a definite flash in the pan although I did say that 25 years ago about Madonna .I wish I had been right about that.

[vermicious knid]

Lady Gaga ripped off Grace Jones. That's who she is indebted to.

[GypsyBlueEyes]

The thing is, I don't really get the purpose of the way Lady Gaga dresses...other than to call attention to herself. The way Stevie dressed on stage helped her to create the "Stevie Nicks" persona...mystical and ethereal. I'm not sure what persona LG is trying to create...unless she's going for some sort of fashion schizophrenia look. You can't even draw a comparison to the way Stevie has dressed and the way LG does. Besides, I don't think I've ever seen Stevie at the airport in her Rhiannon wings...LG can't seem to go anywhere without doing everything she can to draw attention to herself. I think its kind of sad.

[SandyMac]

Wow, good article. At least Stevie gets a for being the fashion/music icon she has become. Not too many female artists have that level of iconic status.

[louielouie2000]

There is just something completely unholy about comparing Lady Gaga to Stevie in any form or fashion And how the hell is LG's 'fashion statement' any different from Christina Aguilara's, Lohan's, Britney's, etc? They're all just underdressed, over make-upped, non-talented wh*re$. Stevie may have been a ho back in the day, but at least she had the musical merit to back up her stardom.

[FMlex]

"Would There Be Lady Gaga Without Stevie Nicks?"

I think the real question is... Who gives a rat's a$$?
I call her Lady Gag-Me. Can't stand that woman.

[iamnotafraid]

Originally Posted by vivfox

Miley Cyrus is a good example of the anti-Stevie Nicks.

Who's this Miley Cyrus you speak of?

[Musicman408]

I really don't get the comparisons between Ga Ga and Stevie.... I really just don't!!

[Nikolaj]

Is Lady Gaga's music good? I was reading about her having had numerous number one singles and the 2 best-selling downloads in UK music history. Yet, I don't know one song by her (feeling ancient) and haven't been inspired much to check out youtube. Is her cd worth buying?

[vivfox]

Originally Posted by Nikolaj

Is Lady Gaga's music good? I was reading about her having had numerous number one singles and the 2 best-selling downloads in UK music history. Yet, I don't know one song by her (feeling ancient) and haven't been inspired much to check out youtube. Is her cd worth buying?

Well I seem to be the only one here who enjoys her music.
Bryson, I bet you like her music, don't cha?

[Black_Moon]

Originally Posted by Nikolaj

Is Lady Gaga's music good? I was reading about her having had numerous number one singles and the 2 best-selling downloads in UK music history. Yet, I don't know one song by her (feeling ancient) and haven't been inspired much to check out youtube. Is her cd worth buying?

I think she's really good. However, I don't see the link to Stevie with her. Far more to Madonna.

[Cornflake Girl]

Originally Posted by goldustsongbird

I want to punch Miley in her bloated inbred face.

I want to watch. While eating a huge bucket of popcorn.

I can see the link between Lady Gaga and Stevie, in that Stevie is a very theatrical performer and her costume is integral to her stage persona (though, I guess far more in her younger days), I'm sure she's said herself Janis was a huge inspiration in that respect. I agree that, musically, there is far more of a Madonna influence; she's also pretty provocative and daring in what she wears, on-stage, and in interviews, a clever trick Madonna made use of.

I don't think Lady Gaga has ripped anyone off, you could probably put the same spin on Janis and Stevie, she's just been inspired by them and presenting her take on what she loved about her music idols. Nothing is ever really 'original'.

[LukeA]

Originally Posted by Cornflake Girl

I don't think Lady Gaga has ripped anyone off.

Um...

http://idolator.com/5263432/roisin-m...-fact-flattery