Stevie Nicks urges musicians to inspire voting, cites importance of political engagement

Legendary rock singer Stevie Nicks has made an impassioned call for musicians to embrace political engagement through their art, especially by encouraging audiences to vote. During her recent appearance on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, the former Fleetwood Mac star highlighted the power of music to inspire social change and stressed the importance of addressing significant social issues.

Nicks pointed to her latest single, The Lighthouse, as a personal example of using music as a platform to spark meaningful conversations. The song advocates for women’s reproductive rights—a topic she admitted was “scary” to tackle publicly but ultimately felt was crucial to raise awareness about given the current political climate in the U.S. “I couldn’t just keep quiet,” Nicks said, explaining that she wanted to motivate listeners to take action, including exercising their right to vote to influence policies.

Reflecting on the history of protest music from the 1960s and 70s, Nicks cited artists like Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Joan Baez, whose songs spoke to movements of their time and rallied people around causes for civil rights, peace, and justice. She emphasized that today’s artists have the same power to impact audiences deeply by addressing contemporary issues like women’s rights, climate change, and social justice. “Songs can reach people in ways that speeches and slogans sometimes can’t,” Nicks remarked, underscoring the timeless role music plays in societal change.

Nicks also shared a personal regret: that she had not consistently voted until she turned 70. “It’s one of my biggest regrets, and I don’t have many,” she admitted. Nicks reflected on how easy it is to put off voting due to busy schedules but urged audiences to reconsider. “You can say you didn’t have time, but it’s really just an hour that can make a world of difference.”

Beyond her music, Nicks is committed to advocacy, especially as debates over reproductive rights intensify in the U.S. She sees voting as a vital avenue for change and urged everyone, particularly younger generations, to make their voices heard. Wrapping up her interview, Nicks left listeners with a simple yet powerful reminder: “Read the words, listen to the song, and vote.” Her message was clear—no matter who wins or loses an election, taking part in the democratic process remains a fundamental duty.