Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around (with Tom Petty)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around by Stevie Nicks featuring Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, from her debut solo album Bella Donna. This song, a duet that hit No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, was originally written by Tom Petty and Mike Campbell for the Heartbreakers’ album Hard Promises. However, producer Jimmy Iovine, who was working with both artists, saw its potential for Nicks’ solo debut. Nicks recalled in a 2016 Philadelphia concert that Iovine insisted she record it, warning her that without a strong single, her solo career might falter. She reluctantly agreed, dropping another song to make room, and the track’s success helped propel Bella Donna to No. 1. Interestingly, Petty was initially upset when Iovine shared the song with Nicks without his full consent, as it coincided with the Heartbreakers’ single A Woman in Love, which he felt suffered commercially. He later softened his stance, appreciating how their voices blended, and the song became a defining moment for both artists.

Another layer to this track’s story comes from its origins and Petty’s relationship with Nicks. Nicks, a huge fan of Petty, had jokingly asked him to write her a song while he was recording Damn the Torpedoes in 1979. Petty didn’t take it seriously until she persisted a year later. He initially offered her Insider, but after recording it together, he loved it so much he kept it for Hard Promises. Feeling guilty, he gave her Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around instead, a song the Heartbreakers had already recorded with Petty’s vocals. Nicks overdubbed her voice, turning it into a duet, with Donald “Duck” Dunn replacing Ron Blair on bass. The studio footage from these sessions, available on YouTube, shows their chemistry, with Nicks delivering a fiery performance. The song’s video was among the first aired on MTV’s launch day in 1981, cementing its place in rock history.

Nicks and Petty’s friendship, which lasted until his death in 2017, added depth to the song’s legacy. Nicks often spoke of Petty as her musical hero, even expressing a desire to join the Heartbreakers, though Petty famously quipped, “No girls allowed.” They performed the song together multiple times, including a memorable 2006 tour and their final duet at London’s Hyde Park in July 2017. Nicks has since performed it with artists like Billy Joel, Harry Styles, and Eddie Vedder, keeping Petty’s spirit alive. A fun tidbit: “Weird Al” Yankovic parodied the song as Stop Draggin’ My Car Around in 1983, and Lindsey Buckingham reportedly called it Stop Draggin’ My Career Around, a jab noted in Carol Ann Harris’ book. Fans on Reddit love the demo version from Petty’s Playback box set, which features only his vocals, giving a raw, biting edge to the track.

Stevie Nicks, born Stephanie Lynn Nicks on May 26, 1948, in Phoenix, Arizona, began her musical journey early, singing duets with her grandfather, a country musician, at age five 5. She started writing songs as a teenager, inspired by artists like Janis Joplin and Buffalo Springfield. Her big break came in 1973 when she and then-boyfriend Lindsey Buckingham joined Fleetwood Mac, a struggling British blues band. Their addition transformed the band, leading to the 1975 self-titled album, which included Nicks’ songs Rhiannon and Landslide. The album’s success set the stage for Rumours (1977), a 20-times-platinum masterpiece with hits like Dreams, Nicks’ first No. 1. Her mystical stage presence and distinctive voice made her a rock icon. After Rumours, Nicks launched her solo career with Bella Donna in 1981, proving she could shine outside Fleetwood Mac. She became the first woman to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice—once with Fleetwood Mac in 1998 and as a solo artist in 2018.

Zoo Freaks can stay connected with Stevie Nicks through her official website, where you’ll find tour dates and merch. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates, though she’s noted in a 2020 NPR interview that she doesn’t personally manage these accounts. Fans can join the vibrant Stevie Nicks Fan Club on Facebook or visit Stevie Nicks Info, a comprehensive fan site with detailed discographies and news. Another great resource is Fleetwood Mac Wiki, which covers her contributions to the band and solo work.