Laura Lynch, one of the founders of the Dixie Chicks, passed away on Friday (December 22) in a direct accident in El Paso, Texas. She was 65 years old.
In a statement, The Chicks said, “We are shocked and saddened by the passing of Laura Lynch, a founder of The Chicks. The special place in our hearts is the time we spent making music, laughing, and exploring. Laura was a bright light… her infectious energy and humor sparked the beginning of our band. She had a talent for design and a deep love for everything Texas, playing a significant role in our early success. Her undeniable talent helped us transition from playing street corners to stages in Texas and the Midwest.”
Lynch was an original member of the Dixie Chicks alongside Emily Strayer, Martie Maguire, and Robin Lynn Macy. In their early days, the group primarily showcased bluegrass music, with Lynch playing bass and sharing vocal duties with Macy. After Macy departed from the group in 1993, Lynch briefly took over as the lead vocalist. However, after six years together, including three independently released studio albums, Lynch was replaced by Natalie Maines. This new formation adopted a more contemporary pop sound, leading to significant commercial success. In 2020, Dixie Chicks changed their name to The Chicks due to the historical connotations associated with the term “Dixie” and its ties to American slavery.
