Christine McPhee, singer, and songwriter, died at the age of 79. What is the cause of death? Christine McPhee, British-born singer-songwriter and Fleetwood Mac keyboardist whose sweet, soulful tone helped define classics like "You Make Loving Fun," "Everywhere" and "Don't Stop," performed Wednesday in Los Angeles, California. age 79.
Christine McPhee's family statement
Her death was announced on the band's social media accounts. No cause of death or other details were immediately provided, but a family statement said she "passed away peacefully in hospital this morning" with her family around her after a "brief illness."
Band statement Christine McPhee
"She was truly one of a kind, outstanding and talented beyond all measure," the band's statement read. McVie was a constant presence and personality in a band known for its frequent line-up changes and fickle personalities, particularly fellow singer-songwriters Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham.
Fleetwood Mac started
Fleetwood Mac began as a London blues band in the 1960s, and evolved into one of the makers of California pop rock in the 1970s, with the combined talents of McPhee, Nicks, and Buckingham anchoring the rhythm section of founder Mick Fleetwood on drums and John McVie on bass.
During their commercial peak years, from 1975 to 1980, the band sold tens of millions of records and was a constant draw for fans as they turned personal battles into melodic, catchy songs. McPhee herself was married to John McPhee, and their separation—along with Nicks and Buckingham's split—was documented in the 1977 release Rumors, among the best-selling albums of all time.
Fleetwood Mac was accepted into and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
Among the group's many other singles are "Dreams" by Nicks, "Go Your Way" by Buckingham, and "Little Lies" by McVie. One of McPhee's most beloved works, the thoughtful "Songbird," was performed in concert and covered by Willie Nelson, among others.
Kristin McPhee, singer, and songwriter, died at the age of 79. What is the cause of death?
Belinda Carlisle and Fleetwood Mac posted it on Twitter and said
Oh no. 💔 The voice of an angel. RIP #christinemcvie Forever loved. pic.twitter.com/mt4qWWkJ1Y
— Belinda Carlisle (@belindacarlisle) November 30, 2022
— Fleetwood Mac (@fleetwoodmac) November 30, 2022
McPhee, who was born Christine Perfect in Booth, Lancashire, had played the piano since childhood but put aside her classical training once she heard early rock recordings by Fats Domino and others.
While studying at Moseley School of Art, she befriended various members of Britain's emerging blues scene and, in her twenties, joined the band Chicken Shack as a singer and pianist. Among the competing bands, it was influenced by Fleetwood Mac, who then showcased the talents of blues guitarist Peter Green along with the Fleetwood & McVie rhythm section. By 1970, she had joined the group and married John McPhee.
Few teams as well as Fleetwood Mac, have managed against such long odds. Green was among the many artists to leave the group, and at various times Fleetwood Mac seemed to be on the verge of ending or fading away. Recently, Buckingham was fired and replaced on tour by Mike Campbell and Neil Finn.
McPhee left herself for years, only to return for good in 2014.