Christine McVie, the English musician whose smoky voice and romantic lyrics helped catapult rock group Fleetwood Mac to international success, died Wednesday, the band and her family announced on social media.
She was 79 years old.
“There are no words to describe our sadness at the passing of Christine McVie,” the group said in a statement posted to Twitter Wednesday afternoon.. “She was truly unique and special and talented beyond measure.”
“She was the best musician anyone could have in their band and the best friend anyone could have in their life. We were very lucky to have a life with her,” the band added. “Individually and together, we deeply appreciate Christine and are grateful for the incredible memories we have of her. She will be greatly missed.”
In a statement on InstagramMcVie’s family said she “passed away peacefully” surrounded by loved ones at a hospital after a “brief illness.”
“We kindly ask that you respect the privacy of the family at this extremely painful time, and we would like everyone to keep Christine in their hearts and remember the life of an incredible human being and revered musician who was universally loved.”
McVie was once married to Fleetwood Mac bassist John McVie. The turmoil in their relationship was one of the creative sparks behind the popular Rumors album, released in 1977.
Christine McVie penned some of the most treasured lines in the Fleetwood Mac songbook, penning lyrics to global hits like “Everywhere,” “Little Lies,” and “Don’t Stop,” a song that became synonymous with the first presidential campaign. of Bill Clinton.
In her lyrics, she chronicles the ups and downs of love in simple yet poignant terms. “You Make Loving Fun,” one of the melodic high points of “Rumours” and a staple of Fleetwood Mac tours, encapsulated the gleeful abandon of romance.
In the 1970s, when Fleetwood Mac was in its commercial heyday, the band sold tens of millions of records and skyrocketed into the pantheon of rock bands. Fans around the world were entranced by the transcendent melodies and obsessed with the behind-the-scenes drama.
The breakup of the McVies, and the ensuing separation of singer-songwriters Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, spawned “Rumours,” a timeless joint diary of domestic breakup and one of the best-selling albums of all time.
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