Christine McVie at 70: Made a Radical Life Change

She turned 70 years old last Friday, born on July 12, 1943, in Lancashire, England.

Although the attention has been more focused on the other talented female singer in Fleetwood Mac, Christine left her own distinctive and powerful mark on the legendary band.

It was Christine's song, "Over my Head" that put the band on American radio and into the National Top 20.

She also wrote and sang the Top 20, "Say You Love Me" and the #3 hit, "Don't Stop".

Of course, that only names but a few amazing songs that have sprung from such a talented musician.

While not with Fleetwood Mac anymore, her distinctive, soft, ethereal vocals are instantly recognizable and I always thought they provided a nice contrast to Stevie Nick's very different vocal sound.

She is also an accomplished keyboard/piano player.

Although Christine has largely stepped out of the glare of the public eye, she occasionally surfaces, like back in 2004, when she released her solo album, "In the Meantime", or in 2006 when she was awarded the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors' Gold Badge of Merit at a ceremony held in London.

The tribute video is a great nod to a wonderful, and largely underrated artist!

Incidently, earlier this year she appeared on stage in Maui, Hawaii performing with the Mick Fleetwood Blues Band which included her ex-husband John as well as Mick Fleetwood. This was her first appearance on stage in 15 years.

In May, digitalspy.com reported that Lindsey Buckingham said a "radical life change" led Christine to quit Fleetwood Mac and to lead a secluded life in her later years.

Lindsey also freely admitted that Fleetwood Mac have definitely felt her absence on their subsequent tours.