The Chicks

The Chicks, formerly known as the Dixie Chicks, are an influential American country band originating from Dallas, Texas. Formed in 1989, the group began as a quartet consisting of sisters Martie and Emily Erwin, along with Laura Lynch and Robin Lynn Macy. Initially focused on bluegrass, they busked and performed at various bluegrass festivals and small venues. Despite their dedication, they struggled to secure a major record deal. Their first album, Thank Heavens for Dale Evans, was released in 1990 through a local independent label, marking their early efforts in the music industry.

By 1992, the band’s lineup shifted as Macy left to pursue a purer bluegrass sound, and Natalie Maines, daughter of steel guitarist Lloyd Maines, joined as the new lead vocalist. This change marked a significant evolution in their sound, moving from traditional bluegrass to a more contemporary country style. Their third album, Shouldn’t a Told You That, was released in 1993, but they still faced challenges in attracting major label support. A developmental deal with Sony Music Entertainment’s Nashville division in mid-1995, along with the departure of Lynch, set the stage for the band’s rise to prominence with Maines as the lead vocalist.

In 1997, the Dixie Chicks signed with Monument Records Nashville, which led to a series of successful albums. Their 1998 release, Wide Open Spaces, was a commercial breakthrough, followed by Fly in 1999, which solidified their status in the country music scene. Their success continued with Home in 2002, released under Columbia Records after Monument closed its Nashville branch. The Dixie Chicks achieved multi-platinum status with these albums and scored numerous hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, including “There’s Your Trouble,” “Cowboy Take Me Away,” and a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide.”

The band’s career faced a turning point in 2003 when Maines publicly criticized President George W. Bush and the impending invasion of Iraq during a London concert. This statement led to widespread backlash in the U.S., including boycotts and protests from country music fans. The controversy significantly impacted their public image and career trajectory, leading to a hiatus. During this period, Maguire and Strayer formed a duo called Court Yard Hounds. The Dixie Chicks returned in 2006 with Taking the Long Way, an album that directly addressed the fallout from the controversy. The single “Not Ready to Make Nice” became a major crossover hit and won multiple Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.

The group faced another hiatus before reuniting in the 2010s for tours. In 2020, amidst ongoing social movements and discussions about race and historical context, the band changed their name to The Chicks to distance themselves from the negative connotations associated with the term “Dixie.” Their first album under the new name, Gaslighter, was released in July 2020, marking their first new material in 14 years.

Throughout their career, The Chicks have received numerous accolades, including 13 Grammy Awards, ten Country Music Association awards, and eight Academy of Country Music awards. With 33 million certified albums sold as of 2020 and 27.9 million albums sold in the U.S., The Chicks have established themselves as one of the best-selling all-female bands and country groups of the Nielsen SoundScan era. Their journey reflects a dynamic blend of musical evolution, personal growth, and resilience in the face of controversy.