feelings

I first heard Stevie flexing her pipes on the BUCKINGHAM/NICKS album late in 1973.
I will admit, being a randy teenager, I was attracted to the cover photo, and the recommendation of the shop owner that is was "pretty good". These were the days of vinyl and 8 tracks and that album would stay on my old turntable for DAYS...I would just flip it over and play one side then the other.... These songs, mixed with the extraordinary vocal harmonies from the two singer/song writers captured my attention, knowing that I loved them both, but preferred this lovely ladies style and elegance.
Later, in the summer between my JR and SR year of high school (FWM was getting some air play with OVER MY HEAD earlier that year), but when RHIANNON jumped out of my car radio I was shocked!!! This sounded exactly like the female half of the BN duo. Well, in short time I was back to my favorite Record/head shop
buying THAT record too.... magic... simply wonderful!!!!
I have followed her ever since, listening to the older stuff when no new recordings were being released, searching out bootlegs and imports when I could find (and afford) them... I still remember seeing the WHITE WINGED DOVE tour on cable, watching it intently at a friends house, spell bound and taken into the world she created on that stage.
I was with my first wife when my step daughter was born. She had planned to name her something awful (in my mind) when I suggested right after the birth
she should be named Stephanie LeAnn.... and it stuck on my then wife.
At the WildHeart tour my 2nd wife and I took my 4 1/2 year old step son to see her (then again at the same venue for ROCK A LITTLE)... he loved it. TO protect his hearing, we made him wear ear plugs, so not to damage his young ear drums. After the first few songs, he complained he could not hear well enough, so he removed the plugs, He was dancing, and singing... Joining a group of teenage boys in
the next row shouting "we love you STEVIE!"
He bragged about that one to everyone for years!
I have always loved Stevie...
I have just mailed her annual birthday card, and even once suggested
that if she wanted me to come be with her, I would drop all and come there.
My second wife asked "what about me?".... my reply was "if Stevie wants me there, YOU are history!"... she laughed about it .... at the time...
I have never faltered in this devotion, even in the lean and troubled years, during the times some said she was no longer the best singer/songwriter, at the times her albums sales slummed, or the times that there was just "more of her to love".....
it mattered not to me!!!!
This new album proves that SHE IS the best, and I hope she gets all the things she deserves. It is most important to me that SHE is happy with her work, herself, and wants to continue to give us those little glimpses into her world through the windows ....her wonderful songs and music!