Laura Lynch, one of the original members of the country music group The Chicks, formerly known as the Dixie Chicks, passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023, in a tragic car accident in Texas. She was 65 years old. Lynch was the bassist and vocalist for the Dixie Chicks from 1989 to 1995, before leaving the band to pursue other projects. She was instrumental in shaping the sound and style of the group, which went on to become one of the most successful and influential acts in country music history.
Remembering Laura Lynch and Her Legacy in The Chicks
Lynch was born in San Antonio, Texas, on June 15, 1958. She grew up in a musical family and developed a love for country music at an early age. She learned to play guitar, bass, and piano, and sang in various bands and choirs. In 1989, she joined forces with sisters Martie and Emily Erwin, who played fiddle and banjo, respectively, to form the Dixie Chicks. The trio started out as a bluegrass and country cover band, playing in local venues and festivals. They soon gained a loyal fan base and a reputation for their harmonies, energy, and charisma.
In 1990, the Dixie Chicks released their debut album, Thank Heavens for Dale Evans, named after the actress and singer who was one of their idols. The album featured a mix of traditional and contemporary country songs, as well as some original compositions by Lynch and the Erwin sisters. The album received positive reviews and earned them a nomination for the Vocal Group of the Year award from the Country Music Association. The following year, they released their second album, Little Olâ Cowgirl, which showcased their versatility and range, incorporating elements of rock, pop, and folk into their country sound. The album also introduced Natalie Maines, the daughter of musician Lloyd Maines, who played guitar and sang backup vocals on some tracks.
In 1992, the Dixie Chicks signed a major-label deal with Sony Music, which gave them more creative freedom and exposure. They released their third album, Shouldnât a Told You That, in 1993, which featured more original songs and a more polished production. The album was well-received by critics and fans, but failed to achieve commercial success. The Dixie Chicks struggled to find their place in the mainstream country music scene, which was dominated by male artists and pop-oriented sounds. They also faced some internal conflicts and disagreements over their musical direction and management.
In 1995, Lynch decided to leave the Dixie Chicks, citing personal and professional reasons. She was replaced by Maines, who became the lead singer and frontwoman of the group. The Dixie Chicks underwent a radical transformation, adopting a more edgy and outspoken image and attitude, and exploring new musical genres and themes. They released their fourth album, Wide Open Spaces, in 1998, which catapulted them to superstardom, selling over 12 million copies and winning several awards, including two Grammys. The Dixie Chicks continued to dominate the charts and the awards shows with their subsequent albums, Fly (1999), Home (2002), and Taking the Long Way (2006), which also sparked some controversy and backlash for their political and social views.
In 2020, the Dixie Chicks changed their name to The Chicks, in response to the criticism and protests over their use of the word âDixieâ, which was associated with the Confederate States of America and slavery. They also released their seventh album, Gaslighter, which marked their first new music in 14 years. The album was praised for its honesty, courage, and relevance, addressing topics such as divorce, abuse, and feminism.
The Impact of Laura Lynch in Country Music
Although Lynch left the Dixie Chicks before they achieved mainstream success, she was still an integral part of their early years and their foundation. She played bass and sang vocals for the group, adding depth and richness to their sound. She also wrote and co-wrote some of their songs, such as âI Want to Be a Cowboyâs Sweetheartâ, âA Heart That Canâ, and âSheâll Find Better Things to Doâ. She was known for her talent and passion for music, as well as her warmth and humor.
Lynch was one of the pioneers of the female-driven country music movement, which challenged the male-dominated and conservative norms of the genre. She and the Dixie Chicks paved the way for other women artists to express themselves and their stories through their music, and to experiment with different styles and influences. She also inspired and mentored many young musicians, especially girls, who looked up to her as a role model and a trailblazer.
Lynch was also a devoted mother, wife, and friend, who balanced her music career with her family and personal life. She married Robert Earl Keen, a singer-songwriter and a longtime friend, in 1996. They had two children, Clara and Robert Jr., who also inherited their parentsâ musical genes. Lynch was actively involved in her childrenâs education and activities, and supported their artistic endeavors. She also maintained a close relationship with her former bandmates, and occasionally joined them on stage for special performances and reunions.
Tributes and Condolences for Laura Lynch
Lynchâs death was met with shock and sadness by her family, friends, fans, and fellow musicians, who expressed their grief and condolences on social media and other platforms. Many of them shared their memories and appreciation of her and her music, and honored her legacy and contributions to the country music scene.
The Chicks posted a heartfelt message on their official Twitter account, saying: âWe are heartbroken to hear of the passing of our dear friend and former bandmate, Laura Lynch. She was a beautiful soul and a brilliant musician, who helped shape the sound and spirit of our group. We will always love and miss her, and we send our deepest sympathy and love to her family and loved ones.â
Other country music stars and celebrities also paid tribute to Lynch, such as Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, Miranda Lambert, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé. They praised her for her talent, courage, and kindness, and thanked her for her influence and inspiration. They also offered their support and prayers to her family and friends, and urged their fans to listen to her music and celebrate her life.
Lynchâs fans also mourned her passing, and shared their stories and sentiments on social media and online forums. They recalled how they discovered and enjoyed her music, and how it touched and changed their lives. They also expressed their gratitude and admiration for her, and wished her peace and happiness in the afterlife. They also created and shared fan art, videos, playlists, and tributes, to honor and remember her.
Laura Lynchâs Death and the Future of The Chicks
Lynchâs death is a huge loss for the country music community, and especially for The Chicks, who have lost one of their founding members and friends. Her death also comes at a time when the group is undergoing a resurgence and a reinvention, after changing their name and releasing their latest album. The group has not yet announced their plans for the future, but they have indicated that they will continue to make music and perform, as well as to advocate for the causes and issues that they care about.
Lynchâs legacy lives on in The Chicksâ music and memories, as well as in the hearts and minds of their fans and listeners. Her music and voice will always be a part of their history and identity, and her spirit and values will always guide and inspire them. She will always be remembered and cherished as a founding member of The Chicks, and as a pioneer of country music.
Conclusion
Laura Lynch was a remarkable musician and person, who left a lasting mark on the country music scene and on the lives of many people. She was a founding member of The Chicks, one of the most successful and influential groups in country music history, and a trailblazer for women artists and musicians. She died at the age of 65 in a car crash in Texas, leaving behind a legacy of music, love, and passion. She will be greatly missed and never forgotten. Rest in peace, Laura Lynch.
