Full Breakdown
Stevie Nicks' $3 Million Gift Establishes Endowed Chair in Otolaryngology at USC
6/6/2026, 8:42:08 PM
Origins of the Partnership
Stevie Nicks, 78, has relied on Dr. Joseph Sugarman, a Beverly Hills ENT specialist, for vocal health during her touring career. Their link began in 1979 when Fleetwood Mac invited USC’s marching band to record “Tusk,” creating Nicks’ first USC connection. USC’s Keck School opened the Voice Center in 2017, and Anita May and Arnold Rosenstein launched a $3 million campaign to honor Sugarman’s five-decade otolaryngology career.
Principal Participants
Stevie Nicks – donor; Dr. Joseph Sugarman, MD – longtime ENT specialist and adjunct faculty in USC’s Caruso Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery; Dr. Michael M. Johns, MD – director of the USC Voice Center and inaugural chair holder; USC Keck School of Medicine – host; Anita May and Arnold Rosenstein – campaign initiators; Carolyn Meltzer – supporter.
Timeline of Milestones
1979 – Fleetwood Mac records “Tusk” with USC marching band, linking Nicks to USC; 2017 – USC Voice Center founded by Dr. Michael M. Johns; June 4 2024 – USC announces Nicks’ donation completes the $3 million campaign, establishing the Stevie Nicks and Joseph Sugarman Endowed Chair in Otolaryngology.
Funding Details
Fundraising goal: $3 million; Nicks’ contribution met the target, creating the endowed chair—the highest faculty honor at USC Keck—providing perpetual funding for vocal-medicine research, education and clinical care.
Official Statements & Responses
USC officials said the chair will “advance vocal medicine” and strengthen the Voice Center’s research and patient-care missions. Dr. Sugarman said he is “touched and humbled by the support of my patients” who helped create the chair. Dr. Johns called the appointment a tribute to Sugarman’s “extraordinary impact on patients, trainees and the field of otolaryngology.” Nicks expressed gratitude for Sugarman’s expertise and opportunity to honor his “talent and insights.”
Significance and Impact
The endowed chair secures ongoing resources for voice-disorder research, therapeutic development and training of future otolaryngologists, while linking a high-profile artist with academia raises public awareness of vocal health and specialized ENT care.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Stevie Nicks, musician
- “I am thrilled to have this opportunity to acknowledge his talent and insights and mark his many years of outstanding practice.” — Stevie Nicks, musician
- “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,” — Dr. Joseph Sugarman, MD
- “Carolyn Meltzer said she is deeply grateful to the donors who recognize the importance of an endowed chair so the Voice Center’s work can flourish for years to come.” — Carolyn Meltzer, supporter
What’s Next
The chair will fund research at the USC Voice Center, support clinical trials in voice rehabilitation, and sponsor fellowships for otolaryngology trainees. USC plans to publicize findings and host symposia on vocal health, reinforcing collaboration between entertainment and medical science.
