In 1976, my brother lived in San Antonio, about a five-hour drive from here. He taught school, and when winter break arrived, he called me on a Sunday afternoon to ask if I would pick him up at Dallas Love Field Airport.
Since his plane was about to leave San Antonio, he arrived in Dallas before I did. When I picked him up, he stowed his things (including my Christmas gift) in the trunk of my car.
As we often did, we hit the mall the next day to visit the bookstore and record shop. After all, if you have books and music, what else do you need? Every time I selected an album, he offered a reason for me not to buy it.
George Harrison’s Greatest Hits? “You already have most of the songs on the album already.” Electric Light Orchestra’s A New World Record. “There’s really only one good song.” After several selections, I think I finally settled on an album by Heart.
Christmas arrived a few days later. It wasn’t hard to guess he’d given me albums (oh, the days of vinyl), but which ones? Yep, Geroge Harrison’s Greatest Hits, A New World Record, and Fleetwood Mac (their 1975 album).
I already had the single of “Rhiannon” but listening to that album made me a lifelong fan. With songs like “Say You Love Me,” “Monday Morning,” and my personal favorite, “Over My Head,” how could I not be?
While much of the world idolized Stevie Nicks, especially with the 1977 release of Rumours, and the single, “Dreams,” my favorite was Christine McVie. I once desired to be a rock star and Christine epitomized everything I wanted. She could sing, write music, and play the keyboards. (I took piano lessons but can’t carry a tune. Not even in a bucket.)
I dressed a lot like Christine. Not so much because I idolized her, but because it was the fashion in the late ’70s. Once my brother said, “You look like someone in Fleetwood Mac.” I considered that a compliment.
Fleetwood Mac in 1977. Left to right, Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie, John McVie, Stevie Nicks, and Lindsey Buckingham. (Public Domain.)
Christine McVie passed away last week at the age of 79 after a short illness. We’re losing a lot of the “good ones” from those days. I admit to tearing up when I heard the news.
The world will miss you, Christine McVie. Rest in peace, Songbird.
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31 Responses
Wow, we listened to a lot of the same music. Big fan of Fleetwood Mac, ELO, and Heart. I also owned the George Harrison album.
Probably every generation feels this way, but ours had the best music.
Such sad news. I too loved Fleetwood Mac. Christine McVie was an excellent role modal for many. A great post, thanks.
Indeed she was, Darlene. I don’t often get emotional when a celebrity dies, but this time, I did.
Lovely tribute, Joan. She was incredibly talented. I remember playing Rumors over and over as a teen. Thanks for sharing.
She was talented, Jill. And I probably wore out a few needles playing Rumours.
I know just what you mean by losing a lot of the good ones from the days of our youth.
It’s so true, Liz. We’ve lost several just this year.
It’s happening more and more.
Yep. Sad.
So many are leaving us these days. Makes me sad.
Me too, Craig.
A lovely tribute, Joan. I think we all felt Christine’s passing and you did a super job on honoring her.
Thank you so much, John.
😊
What a beautiful tribute, Joan. I admit that Rumors was the LP that made me a lifelong Fleetwood Mac fan. And while Stevie Nicks has always been the one I focused on, Christie McVie was a bright and shining star in her own right. I was so saddened at the news of her passing.
I love that your brother bought you those albums. I was always about music and books growing up, too. And while you dressed like Christie, I dressed like Steve—sometimes I still do. 🙂
Stevie posted a wonderful tribute to Christine on Twitter and Instagram. That made me tear up as well.
What a wonderful story, Joan. Your tribute is lovely, and your brother sounds like a keeper. 😊
He’s a good guy, Gwen.
Nice! I really enjoyed this.
Thanks, Judi. She was a talented singer.
Beautiful tribute, Joan. You know I love this song and still looking for the video I took at the last concert I saw them. A great loss. Xo
It’s a beautiful song, Denise. How lucky you were to be able to see them in concert. I hope you find your video. I thought of you as I was writing this post.
Very lucky to have seen them. I saw them during Rumors in the 70s and in 2014 and they were just as good. I will share it with you when I find it. Can never hear this song enough. Xo
Thanks, Denise. I agree about the song.
McVie was so talented. May she rest in peace.
I agree, Priscilla. She help make that group what it was.
What a fun story, Joan. I love how your brother had to keep talking you out of purchases. 🙂 This is a lovely tribute to Christine McVie. She was absolutely amazing!
Imagine my surprise on Christmas morning. I didn’t have a clue why he kept talking me out of certain albums.
“You look like someone in Fleetwood Mac.” That line made me smile, Joan. Yes, we’re losing a lot of the people whose music defined our youth. A lovely tribute to Christine McVie. <3
Thanks, Diana. As you can tell, she was one of my favorites.