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The 100 best musicians of all time: Tom Petty – Essay by Stevie Nicks
I had been with Fleetwood Mac for about a year when I heard his debut album in 1976. I loved how Tom’s dumpled southern voice merged with Mike Campbell’s guitar and Benmont Tench’s keyboards. Tom Petty had the same influences as we do – the Byrds, Neil Young, Crosby, Stills & Nash – but he also dug a lot from the very old blues. He is a great singer and a charismatic performer. I was a fan on the spot.
When I recorded my first solo album “Bella Donna”, my first thought was: “Who produced Tom Petty?” It was Jimmy Iovine, so I got Jimmy because my album should sound just like his. I met Tom in the studio a little later, and he was exactly as I had imagined: he is an honest skin.
“You have no single on the album. Here is your single “
Jimmy and Tom Petty then offered me “Stop Draggin ‘My Heart Around”, which Tom wrote together with Campbell. When they introduced me to the song, I said: “Is that a good idea? This is the only one of eleven songs that doesn’t come from me? ” And Tom and Jimmy were brutally honest with me: “You have no single on the album. Here is your single. “
Tom is a real friend, and that also includes pronouncing bitter truths if necessary. 1994, I had just come out of the withdrawal, I was sitting with him at the dinner. I wanted to record a new album, but was unsettled and was afraid. I asked him: “Would you write one or two songs for me?” I really didn’t expect his reaction because it was: “No. I won’t. You are one of the most talented songwriters that are currently available. Go home and switch off the radio. Let yourself be influenced by nothing and nobody, but simply write the great songs that are in your head. ” Ultimately, it was he who put Stevie Nicks on his feet again.
In 2006 we did a tour together. Finally, Tom gave me a sheriff star. On the front it says: “For our honorary Heartbreaker Stevie Nicks”-and on the back: “For the only girl in our band.” I still wear it on my black velvet hat. It is the most beautiful piece of jewelry I’ve ever got from a man.