Talk to Me

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Talk to Me" by Stevie Nicks from her 1985 album Rock a Little, and Zoo Freaks, you're in for some cool trivia! Written by Chas Sandford, who also co-wrote John Waite’s hit "Missing You," this track was a challenge for Nicks to nail vocally. She shared in the liner notes of her 1991 Timespace compilation that she struggled to capture the right feel until drummer Jim Keltner stayed late one night to be her audience, pushing her to deliver a stellar vocal take. Nicks added tambourine to the track, and it was done—an unforgettable moment for her. The song soared to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, her highest-charting solo single in the US, and hit No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock chart for two weeks. Fun fact: the music video, directed by Marty Callner, features a rare bit of choreography with Nicks joining her backup singers Sharon Celani and Lori Perry in a dreamy art gallery setting, a nod to MTV’s love for dance sequences in the post-"Thriller" era. The track also has a jazzy saxophone solo by Barney Wilen, adding a distinct '80s flair.

Another tidbit comes from the song’s production: Sandford played most of the instruments, including Ensoniq Mirage, electric and 12-string guitars, bass, and drum machine, showcasing his multi-instrumental talent. There are three official versions of "Talk to Me," including an alternate mix with emphasized vocals and timpani drums, which you can find on the 2014 compilation Stand Back: 1981-2014. Nicks initially wasn’t sold on the song, as producer Jimmy Iovine had to push her to record it, believing it had hit potential. Fans on X have celebrated its legacy, with posts from @Nickslive noting its chart debut at No. 66 on November 16, 1985, and its peak at No. 4 in January 1986. The song’s B-side, "One More Big Time Rock and Roll Star," a Nicks original, later appeared on her 1998 Enchanted box set, giving Zoo Freaks a gem to hunt down.

Now, let’s dive into how Stevie Nicks became the rock icon we know today. Born Stephanie Lynn Nicks on May 26, 1948, in Phoenix, Arizona, she got her start in music early, influenced by her grandfather, a country singer, who encouraged her to sing duets with him. As a toddler, she couldn’t pronounce her name, earning the nickname "Stevie." Her father’s job with Greyhound led to moves across Phoenix, Albuquerque, El Paso, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, exposing her to diverse musical influences. At 16, she received a Goya guitar and wrote her first song, "I’ve Loved and I’ve Lost, and I’m Sad but Not Blue." In high school, she joined the folk-rock band Changing Times, performing locally and building her stage presence. While attending San José State University, she met Lindsey Buckingham, and the two formed the duo Buckingham Nicks in 1973, releasing an album that flopped but caught the ear of Fleetwood Mac’s Mick Fleetwood.

In 1975, Nicks and Buckingham joined Fleetwood Mac, transforming the band into a global powerhouse. Their second album with Nicks, Rumours, became one of the best-selling albums ever, certified 20× platinum in the US. Nicks’ songs like "Dreams," the band’s only US No. 1 hit, and "Rhiannon" cemented her as a songwriting force. In 1981, while still with Fleetwood Mac, she launched her solo career with Bella Donna, which hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and went multiplatinum. Her distinctive voice, mystical persona, and poetic lyrics earned her the title "Reigning Queen of Rock and Roll" from Rolling Stone. Nicks has since released eight solo albums and seven with Fleetwood Mac, selling over 65 million copies in the US alone. She’s the first woman inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—once with Fleetwood Mac in 1998 and as a solo artist in 2019.

Zoo Freaks can connect with Stevie Nicks online at her official website, where you’ll find tour dates and news. She’s active on Facebook, sharing updates and memories, and on Instagram, where she posts about her music and iconic style. On X, she engages with fans, recently reflecting on her emotional connection to the series Daisy Jones & the Six, inspired partly by Fleetwood Mac. For fan communities, check out Stevie Nicks Info, a detailed fan site with song histories and discography, or join the Stevie Nicks Fans Facebook group to connect with other devotees. The Fleetwood Mac News site also covers Nicks’ updates alongside band news, perfect for staying in the loop.