#Founding Dixie Chicks member Laura Lynch killed in car crash in Texas

Upright bass player Lynch founded the band alongside three other women in 1989, according to the band’s biography on Country Music television. The group recorded three albums together before Lynch left and was replaced by Natalie Maines. 

In a 1992 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Lynch told director Jim Ruddy the band was a group effort and she “hopes female harmony” makes a big comeback. Lynch discussed how they named the all-female country music band known for its intense harmonies and guitar playing, she said the group was driving around listening to Littlefeet and the lyrics had Dixie Chicken in them. 

Lynch said it was suggested the band called themselves the Dixie Chickens, but everyone responded “Ooh, I don’t know about being called chickens,” so the girls shortened it to “Dixie Chicks.”

In June 2020, the band changed its name to just “The Chicks.” The name change came as the U.S. reckoned with its history of racial injustice in the wake of the killing of George Floyd. The term “Dixie” has often been associated with the slavery era. 

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.