Stevie Nicks Reveals Fame Ultimatum Her Parents Gave Her

Believe it or not, Stevie Nicks’ parents might have stood between her and her impressive career. Nicks discovered her immense musical talents at a young age, and in high school, she met her future bandmate and crush Lindsey Buckingham. While she was still in school, they dreamed of a career in music. Nicks said her parents were supportive of her dreams, but wanted to make sure she had a backup plan in case music didn’t work out.

“‘We’re not saying it’s not going to work, because we think you’re great,'” she revealed they told her. “And they did; they were so supportive. They said just in case — my mother, especially — she said, ‘You know, if you become really famous, we want you to be able to stand in a room with world politicians and famous writers and famous economists, and we want you to be able to hold your own. We want you to be smart and beautiful and talented, and we want you to get an education.'”

Hulton Archive/Getty Images

So Nicks’ parents gave her an ultimatum. She had to continue her studies while also pursuing her dreams of music. If she dropped out, they would no longer support her financially. Nicks enrolled at San José State University as a speech communication major, intending to become an English teacher. She spent five years there and was only six months away from graduating. However, Nicks and Buckingham felt they had to move to Los Angeles to pursue music full-time.

Paul Natkin/Getty Images

Her parents gave their full blessing, but kept their word and did not support her financially. Nicks worked as a waitress and a cleaner while trying to keep things going. Nicks and Buckingham joined Fleetwood Mac a few years later in 1975 and, of course, became stars.

How many members of the Eagles band did Stevie Nicks date?

To remind