Nearly two years after her death at 79, Christine McVie is finally receiving the recognition she deserves as the crucial, yet often understated, figure in Fleetwood Mac's success. Her new biography, Songbird: An Intimate Biography of Christine McVie by Lesley-Ann Jones, released on November 19, delves into McVie's remarkable transformation from a student of art to the beloved keyboardist and songwriter who anchored the iconic rock band.

Named after McVie's signature song, “Songbird,” which became a staple at Fleetwood Mac's concerts despite not being a major commercial hit, the biography paints a vivid picture of the woman who contributed timeless songs like “Don’t Stop” and “You Make Loving Fun” to the legendary Rumours album. While McVie remained a private figure compared to bandmates Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, her quiet strength and musical genius were vital to Fleetwood Mac’s magic. Both Nicks and Mick Fleetwood have said the band would not have been the same without her.

Jones, a former Fleet Street journalist, draws on her own conversations with McVie, extensive research, and interviews to tell the story of McVie’s life and career. Though the book doesn't reveal sensational gossip, it provides insight into McVie’s character, her personal and professional struggles, and her deep connection to Fleetwood Mac.

Here are a few highlights from the biography:

• Christine McVie Initially Wanted to Teach Sculpture
  Before joining the blues band Chicken Shack in 1966, McVie had planned to become a sculpture teacher. Her interest in art, particularly Egyptian and Greek friezes, was driven by a desire for job security, but her encounter with musicians steered her toward a new career in music, eventually leading her to Fleetwood Mac.

• McVie’s Marriage to John McVie
  McVie reflected on her six-year marriage to Fleetwood Mac bassist John McVie, expressing that in a different setting, their relationship might have survived. She noted the strain caused by touring and John’s alcohol issues, describing him as "belligerent" when drunk. Despite the difficulties, the couple had a child together, but ultimately their marriage ended in divorce.

• Her Initial Hesitation About Stevie Nicks Joining Fleetwood Mac
  When Mick Fleetwood suggested adding the duo of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks to Fleetwood Mac, McVie was initially skeptical about having another woman in the band. However, she quickly warmed to Nicks, and the two became fast friends, forming a strong musical partnership. McVie and Nicks made a pact to never accept being treated as second-class citizens in the music industry.

• McVie’s Decision to Quit Fleetwood Mac
  In 1998, McVie decided to leave the rock ‘n’ roll chaos behind and return to her English estate, seeking peace and solitude. However, isolation led to heavy drinking and depression. A fall that left her alone and helpless prompted McVie to re-evaluate her life. She returned to Fleetwood Mac in 2014, revitalized and ready for one final tour, which would become the band's highest-grossing tour ever.

McVie’s contributions to Fleetwood Mac are undeniable, and Songbird offers a fitting tribute to her legacy as a quietly powerful force in rock music.