Leather and Lace - Stevie Nicks/Don Henley (1982) 7/7/23

Sometimes an artist will pass on a song that will later become a huge hit for someone else. Such is the case with today's Great Song of 1982.

In 1981, Waylon Jennings and his wife Jessi Colter were putting together an album of duets called "Leather and Lace."

Stevie Nicks contributed what SHE thought was the perfect title song for the couple, a song about what it was like to be in love with someone in the same business and how to approach dealing with each other. (This was based somewhat on her former relationship with Lindsey Buckingham.)

Turns out, Waylon and Jessi were on their way to a divorce, and at first, Waylon wanted to sing "Leather and Lace" as a solo--but then decided not to record it at all.

Stevie wasn't angry--just sad. She felt it was a great song, so she decided to record it herself with Don Henley of the Eagles.

Stevie and Don had been dating for a while, and he was a big help while she was writing the song...cheerleading, critiquing, and offering his complete support. In essence, they were...leather and lace.

Don, of course, promptly agreed.

The song was added to Stevie's 1981 "Bella Donna" album, and later in the year, it was released as a single.

As 1981 crossed into 1982, the song reached the Top 10 in both the US (#6) and Canada (#7).

It was Stevie's first hit away from Fleetwood Mac, and Don's first hit away from the Eagles.

To this day, Stevie calls the song," "One of the most special love songs I would ever write."

"Leather and Lace:" Waylon and Jessi's loss was Stevie and Don's gain: a Great Song of 1982! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLEMiDrdSKU

Tomorrow: Madness...in the middle of our street!