Stevie Nicks released her iconic Bella Donna solo album 40 years ago this summer. Stevie was hesitant about recording the album’s biggest hit “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around,” a duet with Tom Petty.
Stevie actually wanted to write all the songs for the album. “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” was actually written by Tom Petty and Mike Campbell of The Heartbreakers.
Stevie had to be talked into doing the song with Petty. Her boyfriend and producer Jimmy Iovine talked her into it. He also worked with Petty.
Stevie stormed out of the studio when she was pitched the idea on the song. She later returned and admitted Iovine was right about the song.
Stevie told Classic Rock magazine that she told Iovine she was "sorry for being so b----- about this, it’s just that I’m so protective of my songs.’ And because of that song, I have a solo career to this day.”
Petty was also initially unhappy with the idea. He said, "Jimmy, you just took the song?," to which Iovine replied, "This is gonna buy you a house."
Petty later said he always felt the duet held back his single, "A Woman In Love."
[Source: Classic Hits Today]