1981 Rock Classic, Reimagined 20 Years Later, Became a No. 1 Hit
Some songs are so instantly recognizable that a single guitar riff is enough to introduce them to an entirely new generation.
That was exactly what happened with "Edge of Seventeen." Released by Stevie Nicks in 1981 as the third single from her debut solo album, Bella Donna, the hard-driving rock classic became one of her signature songs. Twenty years later, its unmistakable opening riff found new life when Destiny's Child prominently sampled it in "Bootylicious," helping propel the pop anthem to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song marked an important milestone for Nicks.
Although she had already become a global superstar as a member of Fleetwood Mac, Bella Donna allowed Nicks to establish herself as a solo artist. Inspired by the deaths of both John Lennon and her uncle Jonathan, "Edge of Seventeen" blended deeply personal emotions with one of rock's most memorable guitar hooks, creating a song that would endure long after its original release.
While "Edge of Seventeen" became a staple of classic rock radio and one of Nicks' defining performances, its biggest commercial resurgence arrived two decades later.
In 2001, Destiny'' Child built "Bootylicious" around the iconic riff after receiving Nicks' blessing to use the sample. Released as the second single from Survivor, the song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the trio's biggest hits.
"I remember when I started hearing people criticize me after I had put on some weight. I was 19. None of the sample clothes fit me. I was feeling a bit insecure from hearing some of the comments, and I woke up one day and refused to feel sorry for myself, so I wrote 'Bootylicious,'" Beyoncé told Harper's Bazaar in 2021.
Nicks even made a memorable cameo in the music video, further connecting the two generations of artists.
"Without all the make-up and everything, they just looked like three really cute, little teenage girls,'" Nicks told Elle UK. "Then of course, they're just like me, they put on - whatever it is that makes them - them. Whether it's your boots or jacket or whatever, then they became Destiny's Child, and I saw it. It was really a marvel to see."
The collaboration highlighted the timeless appeal of Nicks' songwriting. Rather than simply borrowing the riff, "Bootylicious" introduced millions of younger listeners to "Edge of Seventeen," prompting renewed interest in the original recording and reaffirming its place in rock history.
"I always feel like I know them, even though I really don't," Nicks continued. "I feel like I know Beyoncé even though I really don't know her at all. I feel like I know her because I was with them for a long time that day. They gave me a chance to pretend like I was playing guitar. I don't think anybody ever gave me that chance ever again.'"
The success also underscored Nicks' lasting influence across genres. Beyond Fleetwood Mac's legendary catalog, her solo work has continued to inspire rock, pop, R&B and hip-hop artists, with "Edge of Seventeen" remaining one of the most frequently referenced songs in her repertoire.
More than 40 years after its original release, "Edge of Seventeen" continues to resonate with listeners old and new. Its transformation from a classic rock favorite into the foundation of a No. 1 pop hit proved that truly great songs never stop evolving, finding fresh audiences with each new generation.
Related: 1970 Rock Song With Zero Chart History Remains a Classic 56 Years Later
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This story was originally published June 30, 2026 at 8:13 PM.