Dixie Chicks

The Profile

American country music group formed in Dallas, Texas. Core lineup (best known) includes Natalie Maines (lead vocals), Martie Maguire and Emily Robison. Broke through commercially with Wide Open Spaces and Fly; later recorded Taking the Long Way produced by Rick Rubin.

Formed in Dallas (late 1980s/early 1990s). Wide Open Spaces sold around twelve million copies (as noted in the review). In 2003 Natalie Maines' comment in London criticizing then-President George W. Bush provoked a major backlash in parts of the U.S.; the group subsequently participated in the Vote For Change tour. Taking the Long Way (produced by Rick Rubin) marked a stylistic shift toward a pop/rock-informed sound and features several notable guest musicians. The group officially shortened its name to The Chicks in 2020. Active across multiple decades.

The single DeBaser review praises the Dixie Chicks' musical evolution from mainstream country-rock toward a more acoustic and pop-rock-informed sound on Taking the Long Way. It highlights Wide Open Spaces as a massive commercial breakthrough and documents the 2003 political controversy stemming from Natalie Maines' comment in London. The review credits Rick Rubin's production and guest musicians for the album's widened sonic palette.