Christine McVie Wins Grammy Before Moving Tribute

Christine McVie was honored during the 2023 Grammy Awards in two ways. First, she won a Grammy and then came a special tribute performance.

McVie and Vince Mendoza won the Grammy for Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals for the orchestral version of "Songbird." The track was featured on Songbird - A Solo Collection, a retrospective collection of McVie's work that was released in June 2022.

Mendoza was in attendance to accept the Grammy. He honored the late singer-songwriter saying, "I owe a debt of gratitude to Christine McVie and for so many of her stories and musical moments. I was 16 when 'Rumours' came out. This music and that record have followed me throughout my life. Thank you to Christine for allowing me to step into it."

During the primetime Grammy ceremony, Mick Fleetwood, Bonnie Raitt and Sheryl Crow performed "Songbird" during the In Memoriam segment. The Recording Academy shared via Twitter, "Tonight, we pay special tribute to Loretta Lynn, Takeoff, Christine McVie, and all songbirds we’ve lost this year. Your legacy will be remembered and felt deeply for generations to come ... The amount of talent and heart on the #GRAMMYs stage right now is overwhelming. We love you, @sherylcrow, @thebonnieraitt and @mickfleetwood."

Christine McVie was one of Fleetwood Mac's most prolific songwriters on top of being a keyboardist and vocalist for the legendary band. Considering that, it's no surprise many musicians and other entertainers paid tribute to McVie following the news of her untimely death yesterday (November 30) at age 79.

Here are some notable tributes to Fleetwood Mac's not-so-secret weapon.

"Oh dear…..sweet Christine has left us…..that voice, those eyes, that smile. No one like her in the universe. I remember in rehearsal once after playing 'I’d Rather Go Blind,' she looked at me and said, 'I like playing the blues with you, Mike.' I’ve never met anyone with such an angelic aura. Always so kind to everyone. We will all miss you so…..no one could ever fill those shoes…"

"I am so sad to hear of Christine McVie going on to heaven. The world feels weird without her here. What a legend and an icon and an amazing human being. RIP."

"Rest in peace rock n' roll icon Christine McVie, singer and songwriter for Fleetwood Mac. McVie helped shape the sound of the '70s alongside her counterparts in Fleetwood Mac. She wrote and sang lead on some of the band's most memorable hits such as 'Songbird,' 'Say You Love Me' and 'You Make Loving Fun.' The Doors team sends their condolences to Christine's family, friends, fans, and the members of Fleetwood Mac."

"Sad to hear of the passing of Christine McVie .. a truly talented writer whose contribution to Rumours alone stands her head and shoulders above most. The 'Mac' were sat on the next table to us when Stevie Nicks was inducted as a solo artist into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019 & to see the smile on CV’s face as her mate got the award just shows she was a brilliant “band” person too… RIP Songbird…-Joe Elliott"

"As a singer, songwriter and keyboard player, Christine was an undeniable talent, responsible for so much of the success of the great rock band Fleetwood Mac. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and the band in this difficult time."

"Oh no! Such a big part of my music world. Journey well…we have lost a beautiful writer and songbird. "

"Oh no. The voice of an angel. RIP #christinemcvie Forever loved."

"I’m saddened by the passing of Christine McVie. 'Don’t Stop' was my ’92 campaign theme song - it perfectly captured the mood of a nation eager for better days. I’m grateful to Christine & Fleetwood Mac for entrusting us with such a meaningful song. I will miss her."

"Peace and love, Christine McVie."

"RIP Christine McVie. Thanks for the music."

"So so sad to hear about Christine McVie an artist I held dear and close to my heart. One of the greatest all time songwriters, singers, and band members, she radiated both purity and sass in equal measure, bringing light to the music of the 70s. RIP. - John."

"#ChristineMcVie has left us. What memories, what joy, and what a legacy…"

"Gutted to learn about the passing of Christine McVie. Just gutted. Songbird forever."

"Christine McVie died. One of the greatest rock voices ever. Both as a singer and songwriter. RIP."

"Same bus driver from Kindergarten to 8th grade. She only had 2 8-Tracks: Fleetwood Mac "Rumours" and Steve Miller Band. That album and her voice is part of my DNA. RIP #ChristineMcVie"

"Sad news that music lost Christine McVie today, however she’s joining those who she loved and maybe they’ve got some amazing big band ‘on the other side’. Condolences to her family to all of @fleetwooddmac and to all her fans."

"Thank you, Queen Christine."

"Christine McVie was an inspiration. She spent a career moving between genres, mixing bluesy vocals with massive pop hooks and rock with balladry. She found room in a gigantic, tumultuous rock band to deliver a poetic, empathetic and sophisticated point of view. A legend."

"Christine McVie gave Fleetwood Mac so much soul. Rest in peace songbird."

"Rest in peace Christine McVie. The music community has lost an incredible pop trailblazer, songwriting icon and a vibrant force within Fleetwood Mac."

"Christine McVie had the most hits of anyone in Fleetwood Mac, yet was somehow the most underrated member. Never flashy, alway great. She was the glue that held all those crazy wonderful elements together. Her songs had a soulfulness unhampered by pretense. RIP."

"RIP Christine McVie. One of my favorite songwriters but also a very gifted illustrator. Her gatefold illustration for Kiln House (1970) is beautiful."