Natalie Maines is an American singer and songwriter who achieved success as the lead vocalist for the female country music band Dixie Chicks. In the late 1990s, the Dixie Chicks had achieved huge commercial success, both in the country music genre and in the world of pop music. However, the fame and fortune that the Dixie Chicks had earned was put into jeopardy after Maines openly criticized President George W. Bush on the eve of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, saying, “Just so you know, we’re on the good side with y’all. We do not want this war, this violence, and we’re ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas.” Negative public reaction in the United States to this comment resulted in a loss of standing in the country music industry for the Dixie Chicks. Boycotts by country music radio stations and death threats hindered the band’s continued success. Though Maines apologized for the phrasing of her remark, some radio stations banned the group’s music. But, in 2006, with Maines still acting as lead singer, the Dixie Chicks released a “come back” album, Taking the Long Way. The album subsequently won five Grammys in an act some see as vindication for the shunned band and lead singer.

[kml_flashembed movie="http://youtube.com/v/W7zr39OKxN0" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]

Liberal Country Fan — Covering music and activism