Edge of Seventeen

Forty years ago, Stevie Nicks struck out from Fleetwood Mac, launched a solo career – and created a truly iconic song in the process. Nick Levine explores its power and influence.

For even the greatest rock and pop stars, striking out from the band that made their name can be a major challenge – just witness Mick Jagger's solo career. But one musical legend who had no trouble asserting her independence is Stevie Nicks. 

When she went solo in earnest 40 years ago, the woman who had been integral to Fleetwood Mac's transformation into the world's biggest band carved out an identity as a star in her own right. She didn't just make a chart-topping album, Bella Donna, but came up with a stunning anthem that only seems to grow more popular with age.

Edge of Seventeen wasn't the first or highest-charting single from Nicks' debut record Bella Donna. It was preceded by Stop Draggin' My Heart Around, a melodramatic collaboration with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and Leather and Lace, a more delicate duet with the Eagles' Don Henley, both of which cracked the US top ten. 

But more than any other Stevie Nicks solo moment, Edge of Seventeen has entranced subsequent generations and helped to define the singer's standing as a rock icon: not just as member of Fleetwood Mac, but as an artist in her own right. 

It's a song that operates on several levels – at once an instant hit of rock drama and a heady meditation on death – and seems to yield something new every time you play it. Its distinctive 16th-note guitar riff – played by Waddy Wachtel, a legendary session musician who also worked with Cher and The Rolling Stones – remains electrifying every time you hear it.  READ MORE

It's Rock and Roll Baby

What musical groups have sold the most records in the world?

In  rank order, they are:

1. The Beatles — 183 million units
2. Garth Brooks — 156 million units
3. Elvis Presley — 146.5 million units
4. Eagles — 120 million units
5. Led Zeppelin — 111.5 million units
6. Billy Joel — 84.5 million units
7. Michael Jackson — 84 million units
8. Elton John — 79 million units
9. AC/DC — 75 million units
10. Pink Floyd — 75 million units

Of course, this list does not take into consideration the new 

musical wonder group from South Korea:  

                                BTS...  (Korean: 방탄소년단; RR: Bangtan Sonyeondan), also known as the Bangtan Boys, is a seven-member South Korean boy band that began formation in 2010 and debuted in 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment.[3] The septet—composed of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—co-writes and co-produces much of their own output. Originally a hip hop group, their musical style has evolved to include a wide range of genres. Their lyrics, often focused on personal and social commentary, touch on the themes of mental health, troubles of school-age youth, loss, the journey towards loving oneself, and individualism. Their work features references to literature and psychological concepts and includes an alternative universe storyline. The group has released several albums and performed on several world tours.

HOWEVER,

Bing Crosby's 1942 WHITE CHRISTMAS has sold the most single copies worldwide in musical history...  odd, since the song is about a Christian Holiday and no doubt there are many non Christians who celebrate Christmas because it is the day that presents are exchanged and lots of food is eaten and lots of alcohol is consumed regardless of the religious underpinnings.

Steely Dan