The Dixie Chicks is a controversial country music group, formed in 1989 in Dallas, Texas. The original members were the sisters Martie Erwin and Emily Erwin, Laura Lynch and Robin Lynn Macy.
Robin Lynn Macy left in 1993 and Laura Lynch moved on in 1995. Natalie Maines, daughter of producer and steel guitar player, Lloyd Maines, accepted an invitation to join the group in 1996. The new lineup had a massive hit with their album Wide Open Spaces on Sony's Monument label. This was followed by another smash hit CD, Fly.
The group was in dispute with their record label for two years and their next album Home was an independent production, produced by Lloyd Maines and released in 2002. This was also a major success.
Martie (guitar,dobro and banjo) and Emily (fiddle and mandolin) are accomplished musicians and Natalie has a strong and distinctive voice. The group's mixture of bluegrass and mainstream country music appeals to a wide spectrum of record buyers.
On March 5 2003, Natalie Maines provoked controversy in America by saying, during a concert in London, that the band was "ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas". Maines is a native of Lubbock, Texas. Following the uproar and and a boycott of their music, the singer attemped to clarify matters on March 12 with the statement "I feel the President is ignoring the opinions of many in the U.S. and alienating the rest of the world."
This statement failed to quiet her critics, and on March 14 she issued an apology stating "As a concerned American citizen, I apologize to President Bush because my remark was disrespectful. I feel that whoever holds that office should be treated with the utmost respect. We are currently in Europe and witnessing a huge anti-American sentiment as a result of the perceived rush to war. While war may remain a viable option, as a mother, I just want to see every possible alternative exhausted before children and American soldiers' lives are lost. I love my country. I am a proud American." Her apology did not contain an explicit retraction or disavowal of her earlier statement.
Many fans remained angry and pressed on with a boycott of Dixie Chick music and stations that play their music, while other fans were disappointed that she apologized. The extent of the backlash has resulted in the artists being concerned about their personal safety and that of their families. Bruce Springsteen is among those who have come out in support of the right of the women to express their opinion.
On April 24, the Dixie Chicks launched a campaign to explain their position. They were interviewed by TV personality Dianne Sawyer on a prime-time infotainment program, during which Maines said she remained proud of her original statement. The band also appeared naked on a magazine cover with slogans such as "Traitors", "Saddam's Angels", "Dixie Sluts", "Proud Americans", "Hero", "Free Speech" and "Brave" printed on their bodies. Many critics called the moves "publicity stunts", since they were launched on the eve of a U.S. concert tour.
The original controversy was launched when a Guardian review of the groups's London concert was picked up by US media. For an article on how the Guardian is reporting the ongoing saga see [1].
Fellow Texan, President Bush, responded to the controversy surrounding the Dixie Chicks in an interview with Tom Brokaw on April 24:
- "I mean, the Dixie Chicks are free to speak their mind. They can say what they want to say. And just because — they shouldn't have their feelings hurt just because some people don't want to buy their records when they speak out. You know, freedom is a two-way street. But I have — don't really care what the Dixie Chicks said. I want to do what I think is right for the American people, and if some singers or Hollywood stars feel like speaking out, that's fine. That's the great thing about America. It stands in stark contrast to Iraq, by the way." [2]
Discography
External links
Awards
2002 Awards
- 2002 Grammy Award: "Best Country Album" - Home
- 2002 Grammy Award: "Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals" - Long Time Gone
- 2002 Grammy Award: "Best Country Instrumental Performance" -Lil' Jack Slade
- 2002 Grammy Award: "Best Best Recording Package" - Home
- 2002 Billboard Music Award: "Country Duo/Group of the Year"
- 2002 Country Music Association Award: "Vocal Group of the Year"
- 2002 CMT Flameworthy Award: "Video Visionary Award"
- 2002 American Music Award: "Favorite Country Band, Duo or Group"
- 2002 American Music Award: "Favorite Country Album" for Home
- 2002 People's Choice Award: "Favorite Musical Group or Band"
2001 Awards
- 2001 TNN/CMT: "Favorite Group/Duo"
- 2001 AMA: "Favorite Band/Duo/Group"
- 2001 ACM: "Entertainer of the Year"
- 2001 ACM: "Vocal Group of the Year"
- 2001 ACM: "Video of the Year" - Goodbye Earl