Stevie has been with me longer than anyone other than my family. And she has been infinitely more understanding and loving than they ever were--even if it has been from afar.

I remember a frigid January morning in 1975, standing at the bus stop with my friend, Janet. She always brought a portable radio with her to keep us entertained on the ride to and from 7th grade, and this particular morning, I was mesmerized by the opening riff to a new song by a group I'd never heard of before" Fleetwood Mac. The song was "Rhiannon."

"Turn that up!" I commanded Janet, and at that moment, I became Stevie obsessed.

So what is it about this quirky little woman that enchants not only me, but millions of others? Indeed, it's her music--that's the biggest part of it. I mean, who else could wrap the lyrics, "....I did not hear an answer, but I did her the call of nightbird..." into a hit single that's still played all over the radio today?

For me, she was a constant source of comfort during a terrifying childhood marred by abuse and addiction. Whenever things got rough at home, I could retreat into our family's music room, shut the door, and put on "Dreams", which would sweep me away to a cushiony, velvety place of solace and comfort. Things would indeed be OK if Stevie said so.

And then I saw her perform. WTF?! I remember thinking. This chick is mesmerizing on stage. She gave everything to her audience. And although she wasn't, at that time, the best vocalist in the world, that wasn't important. Like Janis Joplin, Stevie whirled about the stage in a frenzied homage to the music. Who cares if it was drug-induced? She was into it, and the audience loved it. I know I did.

Now, as an adult, I still love her music. I still love to watch the videos. I still buy a concert ticket whenever she's within 200 miles. But most of all, I really admire the way she has opened up her life and her past for the world to see. All the relationships, all the addictions, the disasters, and the blessings being famous haves brought her.

And I realize that all these years, she has been telling us her story in her music. All you have to do is listen and you'll know.

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