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The Chicks took to the stage at the 2024 Democratic National Convention on August 22, 2024. The trio comprises Natalie Maines, 49, Martie Maguire, 54, and Emily Strayer, 52. The band's career spans decades, starting as the Dixie Chicks, to what we know them as today — The Chicks. The band is known for their country music and their history of political controversy.
The Chicks, now all in their early 50s, have made headlines yet again in their career — but this time for their performance at the DNC. They delivered their rendition of The Star Spangled Banner at Chicago's United Center. The performance took place on the last night of the convention. On that night, VP Kamala Harris officially accepted the nomination for president.
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From The Dixie Chicks to The Chicks
The Chicks first grew popular in the 1990s. Their blend of country and pop music propelled them to the same. The group initially included sisters Martie Maguire (born October 12, 1969) and Emily Strayer (born August 16, 1972). Lead singer Natalie Maines joined the group later.
Before her joining, the group went by the Dixie Chicks. Its lineup featured the late vocalist Laura Lynch and guitarist Robin Lynn Macy. Some of the band's early albums include Thank Heavens for Dale Evans (1990), Little Ol’ Cowgirl (1992), and Shouldn’t a Told You That (1993).
Maines joined the group in 1995, and not long after, their album Wide Open Spaces (1998) catapulted them to fame. It sold over 12 million copies in the United States. It even earned the group a Grammy for Best Country Album in 1999. The album also came out with hit singles, such as There's Your Trouble and I Can Love You Better.
Their 1999 album, Fly, simply continued their growing success. It featured hits like Ready to Run and Goodbye Earl. The latter became one of the group's most-known songs.
The Chicks' controversies
In March 2003, tensions surrounding the Iraq War were at an all-time high. During a concert in London, Natalie Maines made headlines with her comments. She expressed her shame that then-President George W. Bush was from her home state of Texas. The statement sparked a massive backlash in the U.S., but mainly within the country music community.
Several country radio stations banned the group's music. The band even began receiving death threats. While Maines initially offered an apology, she later retracted it. However, the controversy had severe implications for their career.
The Chicks, in 2006, responded to the controversy. They came out with their album Taking the Long Way, which addressed the backlash head-on. The single Not Ready to Make Nice, in particular, was a direct response.
The album became a critical commercial success. It garnered five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. However, despite the success, the group took a hiatus from recording and members pursued solo projects and other endeavors.
It was in 2020, during the Black Lives Matter movement, that the band dropped "Dixie" from their name. That year, they came out with their first studio album in 14 years, Gaslighter. The song was a nod to personal anecdotes, including the dissolution of Maines' marriage. However, all plans for a major tour were thwarted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The last night of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) played host to several prominent artists, such as Pink, Jason Isbell, John Legend, and Stevie Wonder.
