Stevie Nicks’ iconic song “Rhiannon” has an intriguing origin story rooted in literature. The inspiration came from a novel titled *Triad* by Mary Leader. In the book, a girl becomes possessed by a spirit named Rhiannon. Nicks was captivated by the name and decided to write a song influenced by it.
Fleetwood Mac recorded “Rhiannon” for their self-titled album in 1975. The track quickly became a major hit and remains one of Nicks’ signature songs. The journey to this success was significant for both Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, particularly after their debut album *Buckingham Nicks* faced commercial challenges in 1973.
Collaboration with Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac’s drummer, Mick Fleetwood, discovered Buckingham and Nicks after listening to their tracks from the *Buckingham Nicks* album. Remembering their music, he contacted Buckingham for a position in the band after guitarist Bob Welch departed. On New Year’s Eve 1974, Nicks and Buckingham officially joined Fleetwood Mac.
Nicks showcased her songwriting talents immediately. Alongside her emotional ballad “Landslide,” she introduced “Rhiannon” to the band, albeit in a rough demo form. Nicks recalls suggesting to Buckingham that they record bird sounds for the song, and he initially found the idea unusual.
Transforming the Demo
The process of turning Nicks’ piano demo into a polished hit was challenging. Producer Keith Olsen noted that the band recorded several versions before finding the right mix. Ultimately, he blended the best bits from initial recordings to craft the final track.
- Song Title: Rhiannon
- Album: Fleetwood Mac (1975)
- Songwriters: Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham
- Instrumentation: Acoustic guitar, piano
- Key Contribution: Buckingham’s memorable guitar riff
Innovative Guitar Work
Buckingham’s distinctive riff became the backbone of “Rhiannon.” He played a white 20th anniversary Gibson Les Paul Custom, which contributed to the song’s unique tone. He later remarked that his sound was also shaped by Olsen’s engineering techniques.
Comments from Buckingham reveal that the melodic riff was an extension of Nicks’ original piano idea. He adapted her simple piano sequence into a more complex guitar arrangement, blending her musical vision with his technique.
Legacy of “Rhiannon”
“Rhiannon” not only propelled Fleetwood Mac to stardom but solidified Nicks’ status as a leading vocalist. Despite its association with her, Buckingham felt that the focus on Nicks during portrayals of the song sometimes overshadowed the band as a whole. This became apparent during the MusiCares Person of the Year award in 2018 when the band entered to the tune, prompting frustration from Buckingham.
Ultimately, while “Rhiannon” may echo the artistic identity of Nicks, its success was undeniably linked to Fleetwood Mac’s collective efforts and Buckingham’s reimagining of her initial concept. As the song continues to be celebrated, its journey highlights the intricate partnership behind one of rock’s most beloved tracks.
