The Dixie Chicks
No contemporary country act has caused more controversy than the Dixie Chicks. While performing in London's Shepherd's Bush Empire theater in 2003, singer Natalie Maines spoke out against the Iraq war and President Bush. As soon the comments hit the air, the Dixie Chicks experienced a tremendous backlash. Album sales dropped, radio stations refused to play cuts from their new album, and they received death threats. Many other performers would have quietly stepped away from the limelight, but the Dixie Chicks continued to remain in the public eye, even getting into a muchcomment album Taking the Long Way Around dealt with the controversy directly, restoring their fan base and returning to their place at the top of the charts. What remains the most remarkable thing about the Dixie Chicks is that they stood up for themselves against the traditionally conservative country music scene at a time when dissident sentiments against the President were dangerous to express. Many of their fans remained loyal to them throughout the storm, proving that country music has appeal beyond a specific political ideology.
Dixie Chicks Albums
But what about their music?
The Dixie Chicks, comprised of lead singer/guitarist Natalie Maines, banjo/guitarist Emily Robison, and violinist/bassist Martie Maguire, are a country music trio with roots in bluegrass music. They were kicking around for several years before they made it big in 1997 with their single "I Can Love You Better," which reached the American country music top ten list. Their debut album Wide Open Spaces reached number one on the charts, with the songs "There's Your Trouble", "You Were Mine", and "Wide Open Spaces" each becoming number one singles. The albums Fly, Home, and Taking the Long Way followed, along with a live album from their Top Of The World tour. Their music remains deep and soulful, with a sharper and defiant political edge after weathering the cultural backlash. Personal favorites include the saucy "Sin Wagon", the sad "Top of the World", and the ghoulishly funny "Goodbye Earl."
Top Sellers
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