Legendary singer/songwriter Stevie Nicks from Fleetwood Mac has made a major gift to help establish a new university chair in otolaryngology to honour her ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist Dr Joe Sugerman.
The Stevie Nicks and Joseph Sugerman, MD, Endowed Chair in Otolaryngology at The University of Southern California (USC) Keck School of Medicine honours the work of leading Beverly Hills ENT specialist Dr Sugerman.
Nicks’ connection to USC dates to 1979, when Fleetwood Mac invited the USC Trojan Marching Band to record the title track of their album, Tusk, at Dodger Stadium and to perform with them live on tour. The results led to both bands earning platinum albums.
Nicks is a solo artist and member of Fleetwood Mac, the pioneering American rock band she joined in 1974. Rolling Stone called her the “Reigning Queen of Rock and Roll” and included her in its “100 Greatest Songwriters” and “100 Greatest Singers” of all time.
She is the first woman inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has been no stranger throughout her stage and recording career to the value of an experienced hearing and vocal care specialist.
“Through late nights on the road, years of touring, hours in the recording studio, I always knew I could count on Dr. Sugerman to be there to help keep my voice healthy, just as he does for his other patients,” Nicks said in a media release on 4 June 2026.
“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to acknowledge his talent and insights and mark his many years of outstanding practice.”
USC said that for nearly 50 years, Dr Sugerman had provided patient-centred, personalised care to performers and non-performers alike, helping them preserve and restore their voices and prevent and treat hearing loss, as well as other conditions of the ear, nose and throat.
As an adjunct faculty member in the USC Caruso Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, and distinguished alumnus of its residency program, he also has helped shape the careers of future ENT specialists.
Nicks’ contribution completed the $3 million goal for the chair, which was also supported by gifts from other donors seeking to honour their longtime friend and caregiver.
The chair pays tribute to Dr Sugerman’s “extraordinary impact on patients, trainees, and the field of otolaryngology”, said Dr John Oghalai, the Leon Tiber and and David Alpert Professor and Chair, USC Caruso Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.
“We are deeply appreciative of the generous donors who contributed to the establishment of this chair,” he said.
The inaugural holder of chair is professional voice care expert, Dr Michael Johns, director of the USC Voice Center whose mission is to improve the quality of life for people with voice, swallowing, and airway disorders.
“I am touched and humbled by the support of my patients who have extended themselves to create this endowed chair, which will be dedicated to advancing vocal medicine,” said Dr Sugerman. “I’m especially excited that this will strengthen the outstanding programs at the USC Voice Center.”
In 1978, Dr. Sugerman joined a prominent ENT practice in Beverly Hills, known for treating renowned singers. After the retirement of his mentor, he took over the clinic, which flourished under his leadership. Today, the walls of his clinic showcase gold records and platinum albums reflecting his status as a leading ENT specialist for many well-known performers.
The founding of the chair represents another step forward in his career. With the appointment of the chair holder, Dr Sugerman will create a Voice Center, in collaboration with Dr Oghalai and Dr Johns.
“I couldn’t be more excited for what the future holds,” said Dr. Sugerman.
