Christine McVie, the British vocalist, songwriter and keyboardist for Fleetwood Mac whose soulful contralto voice helped define classics like “You Make Loving Fun,” “Everywhere” and “Don’t Stop,” died Wednesday, November 30 at 79. years.
According to AP, his death was announced on the group’s social networks. Her cause of death or other details were not released, but a statement from her family said she had “passed away peacefully in a hospital this morning” accompanied by her loved ones after a “brief illness.”
“She was truly unique, special and immeasurably talented,” the band said in a statement calling McVie “the best musician anyone could have had in their band and the best friend anyone could have in their life.”
McVie was a constant presence and personality in the group famous for its frequent lineup changes and volatile personalities, whose members also included Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham.
During their peak years, from 1975 to 1980, the band sold tens of millions of albums and was also a source of fascination for fans, transforming their personal battles into catchy, melodic songs.
McVie herself married bassist John McVie, and their breakup — along with Nicks and Buckingham’s split — was famously documented on her 1977 album “Rumours,” one of the most popular of all time.
Fleetwood Mac, which was co-founded by drummer Mick Fleetwood in 1967, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. The group’s many hits include “Dreams,” “Go Your Own Way” and “Little Lies.”