Stevie Nicks' 1981 solo debut album, Bella Donna, is often remembered as a defining moment in her career away from Fleetwood Mac, but it also relied heavily on contributions from other prominent rock musicians. Released that summer, the record blended Nicks' distinctive songwriting with input from established performers and in-demand session players, several of whose roles have since been largely forgotten.

Tom Petty gave Nicks the song "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around", which became a duet after she kept his guide vocal on the recording, while Don Henley of the Eagles sang alongside her on "Leather And Lace", a track originally intended for Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter. E Street Band keyboardist Roy Bittan played on several songs, including "Edge Of Seventeen", and co-wrote "Think About It", while veteran session musicians Donald "Duck" Dunn on bass and Waddy Wachtel on guitar added further instrumental depth across the album.