Fleetwood Mac released Rhiannon as a single in the United States on March 6, 1976, which became a major hit and reached No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Stevie Nicks was inspired to write Rhiannon after reading a novel called Triad by Mary Leader, which featured a character named Rhiannon. The song’s mood fit the imagery of the character in Welsh myth.
Rhiannon was recorded for Fleetwood Mac’s 1975 self-titled album, marking a turning point for the band with the addition of Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham and blending rock, pop, and folk elements.
The song’s popularity led to its release as a single in 1976, reaching No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and briefly charting in the UK in 1978, showcasing Fleetwood Mac’s growing reputation.
Stevie Nicks’ live performances of Rhiannon from 1975 to 1980 were described as intense and memorable, with Mick Fleetwood likening them to “an exorcism,” solidifying the song’s status as a defining part of Fleetwood Mac’s identity in the late 1970s.
