Fleetwood Mac singer-songwriter Christine McVie dies at 79
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THE NEW YORK Christine McVie, the British-born Fleetwood Mac singer, lyricist, and keyboardist whose calm, soulful contralto helped define such hits as “You Make Loving Fun,” “Everywhere,” and “Don’t Stop,” passed away on Wednesday at the age of 79.
The band posted a notice of her passing on their social media platforms. She “went away quietly in hospital this morning” with relatives by her side, according to a family statement, after a “brief illness,” though no cause of death or other information was immediately given.
The statement from the band says, in part, “She was genuinely one-of-a-kind, extraordinary and gifted beyond measure.”
In a band notorious for its numerous lineup changes and erratic personalities, particularly those of fellow singer-songwriters Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, McVie had a constant presence and personality.
With the combined abilities of McVie, Nicks, and Buckingham, plus the rhythm unit of founder Mick Fleetwood on drums and John McVie on bass, Fleetwood Mac began as a London blues band in the 1960s and developed into one of the key creators of California pop-rock in the 1970s.
The band was a constant source of curiosity for fans during its most successful commercial years, from 1975 to 1980, when it sold tens of millions of records and turned its own struggles into catchy, appealing songs. John McVie, to whom McVie was married, and their divorce, as well as the separation of
In 1998, Fleetwood Mac was given a spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Other popular singles from the group were “Dreams” by Nicks, “Go Your Own Way” by Buckingham, and “Little Lies” by McVie. The reflective ballad “Songbird,” one of McVie’s best-known compositions, served as a showcase for her live performances and was recorded by Willie Nelson among others.
McVie, who was born Christine Perfect in Bouth, Lancashire, had studied classical piano as a kid but abandoned it after hearing the early rock music of artists like Fats Domino.
She became friends with several members of Britain’s budding blues movement while attending the Moseley School of Art, and in her 20s she became a vocalist and pianist for the band Chicken Shack. She admired several competing bands, including
Few bands succeeded so well as Fleetwood Mac, against such long odds. Green was among the many performers who left the group, and at various times Fleetwood Mac seemed on the verge of ending or fading away. More recently, Buckingham was kicked out and replaced on tour by Mike Campbell and Neil Finn.
McVie herself left for years, only to return for good in 2014.
Christine McVie, who played with Fleetwood Mac and wrote some of their most famous songs, has died aged 79, her family has said.
The British singer-songwriter was behind hits including Little Lies, Everywhere, Don’t Stop, Say You Love Me and Songbird.
She died peacefully at a hospital in the company of her family, a statement said.
McVie left Fleetwood Mac after 28 years in 1998 but returned in 2014.
The family’s statement said “we would like everyone to keep Christine in their hearts and remember the life of an incredible human being, and revered musician who was loved universally”.
Born Christine Perfect, McVie married Fleetwood Mac bassist John McVie, and joined the group at the start of the 1970s.
Fleetwood Mac singer-songwriter Christine McVie
full detail of Christine McVie
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christine_McVie
