Spirituality & Song: From Leonard Cohen to Fleetwood Mac (IN PERSON)

Esteemed music journalist Alan Light discusses the significance of spirituality in music. Light has written numerous books on songs and songwriters including The Holy or The Broken, which explores the significance of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," and his newest book Don't Stop, which examines the enduring relevance of Fleetwood Mac's Rumours album 50 years after its release. After the talk, Light will be signing copies of his newest book.

This is an in person program at the American Writers Museum. This program will also be livestreamed, and you can register for the link to the online broadcast here.

This program is presented in conjunction with the AWM's forthcoming special exhibit American Prophets: Writers, Religion, and Culture, opening November 2025. American Prophets is supported by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Religion and Cultural Institutions Initiative.

More about Don't Stop: Why We (Still) Love Fleetwood Mac's Rumours

The author of The Holy or the Broken and former editor-in-chief of Vibe brings his "thoughtful and illuminating" (New York Times) insight to Fleetwood Mac's iconic album Rumours, celebrating its story, mythology, and enduring impact.

On January 1, 1975, struggling young singer-songwriter Lindsey Buckingham was invited to join the veteran blues band Fleetwood Mac. He agreed on the condition that his girlfriend, an equally unknown vocalist named Stevie Nicks, also be included. Within two years, Rumours was born—and went on to become one of the most popular albums of all time.

Almost five decades later, it is the only classic rock record that still attracts young listeners and continues to top sales and streaming charts. In Don't Stop, award-winning journalist and bestselling author Alan Light unravels the enduring allure of Fleetwood Mac's monumental album. Since its 1977 release, Rumours has captivated generations with its unparalleled blend of romantic turmoil and musical genius. Light explores the album's transformation from a pop phenomenon to a cultural touchstone, and its unique ability to remain relevant in today’s rapidly changing music scene.

Drawing on in-depth interviews with current artists inspired by Fleetwood Mac, as well as fans who have only recently discovered the album, Light investigates what keep Rumours at the forefront of popular culture, from Glee to Saturday Night Live to Daisy Jones & the Six. Through insightful analysis and storytelling, Don't Stop celebrates the album's trail blazing sound and diverse voices, and the emotional depth that continues to fascinate audiences. From the incredible soap opera behind the album's creation to its embrace in the age of TikTok, this book presents a kaleidoscopic view of a landmark work that has transcended its time.

Emmy Award–winning music journalist Alan Light is the author of numerous books including The Holy or the Broken: Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley, and the Unlikely Ascent of "Hallelujah" (which was adapted into an acclaimed documentary), as well as Let's Go Crazy: Prince and the Making of Purple Rain and biographies of Johnny Cash, Nina Simone, and the Beastie Boys. He was the cowriter of bestselling memoirs by Gregg Allman and Peter Frampton. Alan was a senior writer at Rolling Stone and the editor-in-chief of Vibe and Spin. He contributes frequently to The New York Times, Esquire, and The Wall Street Journal, among many publications, and cohosts the podcast Sound Up! With Mark Goodman and Alan Light.