Stevie Nicks' emergence as a songwriter in the mid-1970s was rooted in her intensive study of 1960s musicians, particularly Joni Mitchell. Rather than casually enjoying these artists, Nicks immersed herself in their work, famously telling Lindsey Buckingham that she was consumed with Mitchell's 'Same Situation' and couldn't stop singing it. This deep, repetitive engagement with Mitchell's catalogue taught her not just melody but also the freedom to express complex, personal narratives through elaborate lyrical structures.

Nicks extended this learning methodology across multiple influences, absorbing the romantic sensibilities of Jackson Browne, the harmonic innovations of Crosby, Stills & Nash, and the authentic emotion of Neil Young. Rather than imitating any single artist, she intentionally blended these influences into a cohesive artistic identity. This synthesis of multiple perspectives gave her the foundation to craft her own distinctive voice, enabling her to become one of the decade's most significant songwriters when she joined Fleetwood Mac.