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| Members: Natalie Maines; sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Robison Their Name: origianlly know as Dixie Chicken from the Little Feat song of the same name; "But Martie didn't want to be a chicken!" says Natalie. Later changed name to Chix and, finally, to Dixie Chicks Getting Started: 1989, sisters Emily, then 16, and Martie, then 19, started playing for tips on a downtown Dallas, Texas street corner with two other original band members; after several lineup changes, Natalie joined the sisters in 1995 Early Style: the band originally wore Dale Evans-type western wear when they performed and were known locally as a "frilly cowgirl act" Influences: Bela Fleck, Bob Wills, Chubby Wise, Sam Krauss, Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, Patty Loveless, Dolly Parton, Indigo Girls, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris Trademark: they originally planned to get a small chicken footprint tattoo for every significant career achievement; however, they've achieved so much already they'lll only get tattoos in recognition of No. 1 hits Early Success: before entering the national spotlight, Dixie Chicks was one of the most sought-after bands in Texas; they opened shows for Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, George Jones, George Strait, and Emmylou Harris, and earned prestigious bookings at the Grand Ole Opry andT ennessee's 1993 Inaugural Ball for President Clinton Special Honors: Wide Open Spaces is the fastest rising debut album for a country group since the SoundScan retail tracking sysyer began in May 1991; they are 1998's best-selling debut act in country music Describing the Dixie Chicks as a country music band is like calling Dolly Parton a singer, Roy Rogers a cowboy, or Ross Perot a millionaire. It doesn't come close to conveying the true essence of this dynamic trio. The Dixie Chicks (lead vocalist Natalie Maines; award winning fiddler Martie Seidel; and dobro/banjo/guitarist Emily Erwin) represent a refreshing blend of powerful harmonies, distinctive instrumental abilities, and good ol' (as well as great new) country music. But the Dixie Chicks are much more than just great music!! They are young, talented, and full of energy that transcends into everything they do. Martie has played violin since the age of five and has been recognized in many national fiddle competitions; Emily has been playing various instruments professionally since the age of 12; and Natalie, a Lubbock, Texas native and daughter of world renowned steel guitarist, Lloyd Maines, is vocally carrying the legacy of West Texas music into its next generation. When you experience Natalie's talent, you will understand why she was awarded a vocal scholarship from Berkelee School of Music in 1994. When sisters Martie and Emily join in with harmony, it is truly magical. However, the real magic happens when this trio hits the stage. The Chicks deliver the music that start toes tappin', hearts beatin', and the dance floor movin'. "Our fans are our most prized possession. We'd stay all night to get the chance to visit with everyone," says Martie. "For all three of us, music is our lifeline. We just want to share it with others," adds Emily. The Chicks remain as bright eyed, entertaining and approachable as when they first debuted on a Dallas street corner in 1989. As their repertoire and fan base have grown, so has their musicianship and ability to captivate audiences. They have that hard to identify quality (call it magnetism or charisma) exuded by entertainers who genuinely enjoy what they are doing and others tend to get caught up in their enthusiasm. Press and concert promoters, as well as fans of all ages, have picked up on the band's distinctive style. The Dixie Chicks have been voted the Best Country Band in Dallas at the Observer Music Awards for four years in a row. his in-demand band performs year round and world-wide. Their more notable appearances include tours of six countries; the 1993 Presidential Inaugural Gala; the Grand Ole Opry; a Dallas Cowboy's halftime show during the Monday Night Football telecast; Nashville's Summer Lights Festival; The National Cowgirl Hall Of Fame; Michael Martin Murphey's West Fest; Dollywood Sunset Music Festival; State Fairs of Texas, New Mexico, Minnesota, and California; and the American Royal Stockshow and Rodeo. The Dixie Chicks have also appeared on such nationally televised programs as Nashville Now, Music City Tonight, American Music Shop, Texas Connection, and Garrison Keillor's American Radio Show. A Little Introduction The Dixie Chicks are without a doubt the hottest "new" group to hit mainstream country music in years. In a genre dominated by Suburban Cowboys like Garth Brooks and Billy Ray Cyrus, they stand alone. The first all-female band to score a # 1 hit with There's Your Trouble, these ladies can actually play music, even if Martie and Emily's virtuoso string performances are sometimes hidden behind thick layers of generic studio music. But they're not a new group -- these Chicks have paid their dues. And they've gone through some changes. Haven't we all? What the Nashville marketing machine has chosen to ignore -- not surprisingly -- is the true history of the Dixie Chicks. By their own admission, the group is concerend about "confusion." But the current Dixie Chicks -- Natalie Maines, Emily Erwin,and Martie Seidel -- would not exist now if it were not for the Dixie Chicks of the past. It was Laura Lynch and Robin Macy, along with sisters Emily and Martie Erwin, who created the Dixie Chicks on a street corner in Dallas in 1989. A Brief History The Dixie Chicks originally hatched back in 1989 in Dallas, Texas, with members Robin Lynn Macy, Emily Erwin, Laura Lynch, and Martie Erwin. The Erwin sisters played backup. They recorded their debut album, "Thank Heavens For Dale Evans", independently in 1990 for ,000. Along with live performances in numerous festivals, they opened concerts for country superstars like Garth Brooks, George Strait, and Reba McEntire. Their debut performance was at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas. In 1991 the Dixie Chicks made their Grand Ole Opry debut and also recorded a Christmas single entitled "Home On The Radar Range". Recorded on vinyl and cassette, it featured two songs, "Christmas Swing" and "The Flip Side". Lloyd Maines (father of present Chick Natalie) was asked to play steel guitar on the album, an event which eventually led to Natalie's presence in the current lineup. In 1992 the Chicks recorded their second independent album, "Little Ol' Cowgirl", and Robin Lynn Macy left the group soon afterwards. As their popularity grew, the Chicks released a third independent album in 1993, "Shouldn't a Told You That". Their performances range from the Presidential inauguration to the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame and Dollywood before they took on Europe. {"Vive la Yeehaw!"} By the time 1995 rolled around, Emily and Martie had decided on a new direction for the band. Laura Lynch was replaced with Natalie Maines, who dropped a full scholarship at Boston's Berklee College of Music to become a Chick full-time. To Find Out More: *Visit your local book store or libary and find a book called, "CHICKS RULE" buy Scott Gray. This book contains a great full history of the Chicks, with 8 pages of color photos. It also talks about other county acts of the time the Chicks were first starting out. *Check out dixie-chicks.com for a great introduction on the pre-Natalie days. The author has put every thinkable thing such as pictures, c.d. covers, and tons more on the website. |