For What It’s Worth

Stevie Nicks’ rendition of For What It’s Worth, released as a single in 2022, is a cover of the 1966 Buffalo Springfield classic written by Stephen Stills. Nicks shared her deep connection to the song in a handwritten note posted on her Instagram, stating, “It meant something to me then, and it means something to me now. I always wanted to interpret it thru the eyes of a woman—and it seems like today, in the times that we live in—that it has a lot to say.” She recorded the track in May 2022, following the tragic mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, which added a poignant layer to her interpretation. During a performance at the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Festival on September 4, 2022, Nicks revealed she first fell in love with the song during her time in a band with Lindsey Buckingham, unsure of their future, saying, “I said in my mind, someday I’m gonna record that song, because I always wanted to look at the glass half full.” The recording, produced by Grammy-winner Greg Kurstin, features longtime collaborators Waddy Wachtel on guitar and Sharon Celani on backing vocals, and was mixed in Dolby Atmos for a modern, immersive sound.

In an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, Nicks emphasized the song’s timeless relevance, noting its subtle political undertones without being overtly so, aligning with her non-political stance. She performed it live during her 2022 U.S. tour, alongside hits like Edge of Seventeen and Rhiannon, with Vanessa Carlton as the opening act. Stephen Stills himself praised Nicks’ version, posting on X, “An unmistakable voice and timeless lyrics come together for a beautiful version of #ForWhatItsWorth.” Fans echoed this sentiment online, with one X post calling it “absolutely brilliant” and even suggesting it rivals the original. However, some fans expressed disappointment that the single was only available digitally, as collectors hoped for a CD release. This cover, distinct from Nicks’ 2011 original song of the same name from her In Your Dreams album, showcases her ability to breathe new life into a protest anthem while honoring its roots.

Stevie Nicks, born Stephanie Lynn Nicks on May 26, 1948, in Phoenix, Arizona, began her musical journey at a young age, influenced by her grandfather, a country music artist. As a toddler, she couldn’t pronounce her name, leading to the nickname “Stevie,” which stuck. Her family’s frequent moves due to her father Jess Nicks’ corporate career brought her to San Francisco, where she attended Menlo-Atherton High School. There, she met Lindsey Buckingham, her future collaborator and romantic partner, when they sang an impromptu duet of California Dreamin’ at a church event. Nicks started songwriting and performing in high school, writing her first song, I’ve Loved, And I’ve Lost, and receiving a guitar from her family, which fueled her teenage years of music-making. She briefly attended San Jose State University, majoring in Speech Communication, but dropped out a semester shy of graduation to pursue music full-time.

In the late 1960s, Nicks joined Buckingham’s psychedelic rock band Fritz, performing covers and originals. After Fritz disbanded, the duo formed Buckingham Nicks, releasing a self-titled album in 1973 with Polydor Records. Despite its commercial failure, the album caught the attention of Mick Fleetwood, leading to their invitation to join Fleetwood Mac in 1975. Nicks’ ethereal stage presence, distinctive raspy voice, and songwriting—evident in hits like Rhiannon and Dreams—helped transform Fleetwood Mac into one of the best-selling bands of all time, with their 1977 album Rumours certified 20× platinum. Her solo career launched in 1981 with Bella Donna, which topped the Billboard 200, cementing her as a rock icon. Nicks has since sold over 150 million albums worldwide, earning two Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions—one with Fleetwood Mac in 1998 and as a solo artist in 2019.

For more on Stevie Nicks, visit her official website or follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can connect through dedicated spaces like Stevie Nicks Info, a comprehensive fan site offering tour dates, news, and discography, or join the Stevie Nicks Fans Facebook group to share their love for her music. These platforms keep the Zoo Freaks grooving to Nicks’ timeless tunes!