Mirror in the Sky - by Simon Morrison

Book Synopsis

A stunning musical biography of Stevie Nicks that paints a portrait of an artist, not a caricature of a superstar.

Reflective and expansive, Mirror in the Sky situates Stevie Nicks as one of the finest songwriters of the twentieth century.

This biography from distinguished music historian Simon Morrison examines Nicks as a singer and songwriter before and beyond her career with Fleetwood Mac, from the Arizona landscape of her childhood to the strobe-lit Night of 1000 Stevies celebrations.

The book uniquely:

• Analyzes Nicks's craft--the grain of her voice, the poetry of her lyrics, the melodic and harmonic syntax of her songs.
• Identifies the American folk and country influences on her musical imagination that place her within a distinctly American tradition of women songwriters.
• Draws from oral histories and surprising archival discoveries to connect Nicks's story to those of California's above- and underground music industries, innovations in recording technology, and gendered restrictions.

From the Back Cover

"Through painstakingly precise research, Simon Morrison brings us a glimpse of the woman behind the chiffon, leather, and lace and provides us with insights into the inspirations and motivations of our generation's most iconic female singer, allowing us to see her in all her dimensions. Fascinating!"--Walter Egan, music producer, songwriter, artist

"Mirror in the Sky is a genuine delight for any Stevie Nicks fan, but an absolute treasure for true music aficionados. Less about the 'rock star lifestyle' than the creative process and collaboration that make the lifestyle possible, it's an incredibly rare glimpse into musical machinations that only those on the inside are familiar with. Everyone wonders what it's like to be a rock star, but if you want to understand how Nicks actually forged that capricious path--becoming a musical icon--this book is for you."--Kristin Casey, author of Rock Monster: My Life with Joe Walsh

Review Quotes

"Mirror in the Sky would make a great addition to any academic library or public library music collection. Simon Morrison has experience writing for both academic and general audiences, and Mirror in the Sky reflects an academic writing style through his attention to detail within research while providing a story enjoyable for any rock music fan."-- "Music Reference Services Quarterly"

"The analyses of Nicks's songs, both monumental and lesser lights, are spellbinding. . . . Another important note about this book is Morrison's respectful voice and tone in his interpretation of Nicks's persona and of feminism in general. . . . I strongly recommend this biography for all collections of popular music."
-- "Notes"

"[Morrison's] narrative centers on Stevie's remarkable gifts as a songwriter, musical artist, and visionary, which have been historically downplayed by journalists and even her musical partners. Delving into the 'fandom, ' Mirror in the Sky is refreshingly different from past books on Stevie Nicks."-- "Stevie Nicks info site"

"A richly crafted yet never fawning biography of one of rocks most beloved and iconic artists. Awe inspiring in detail but never too technical, Morrison writes a highly accessible book for both the casual fan and the true aficionado. One comes away with a heightened appreciation for Nicks musical talent as well as her very unique journey. One of the best written and most articulate music biographies in recent memory."-- "Eddie Dalva, Executive Vice President, MTV Networks"

"A warmly affectionate and discerning critical biography."-- "Stuart Mitchner"

"Morrison's extensively researched biography does not shy away from Nicks's battles with addiction and emphasizes how as a woman musician, she has had to work harder and be better than the men around her. Nicks fans will appreciate Morrison's care in the details of her songwriting and the song production."-- "Library Journal"

"Stevie Nicks the artist whirls to life in these pages, a woman fiercely committed to her own blazing imagination and powers of perception. With meticulous research, a light touch and understated wit, Simon Morrison charts the rise in influence of Fleetwood Mac's black-laced, iron-willed sylph, whose irrepressible freedom continues to haunt the past and present of popular music and female artistry."-- "Sarah Kaufman, Washington Post"

"There are lots of music biographies out there, but few are as in-depth, intelligently written, and expertly researched as Mirror in the Sky. Penned by Simon Morrison, the book extends beyond a simple recap of the events, as it analyzes the songwriting craft of Nicks, places her within a greater artistic context of American folk and country, and dives deep into the archives to produce the most accurate account possible."-- "Consequence Sound"

"Written with respect and admiration, Mirror in the Sky analyzes Stevie Nicks's music with care, noting how it expressed the sentiments of a generation."-- "Foreword Reviews"

[E]nlightening . . . I enjoyed reading Mirror in the Sky . . . Most important, Morrison sent me back to Nicks's catalogue, including gems I'd overlooked or missed."-- "Air Mail"

About the Author

Simon Morrison teaches music history at Princeton University.