USA Today has reported that one of the founding members of the famous country band Dixie Chicks, now known as the Chicks, has passed away. Laura Lynch was driving when she was struck by an oncoming car on the highway.
According to Sergeant Eliot Torres, who investigated the crash, Laura was driving down the highway when another car veered into her lane. The other car was trying to pass a car in front of it when it struck Laura’s car head-on. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the other car, on the other hand, was sent to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. According to the source, the investigation into the crash is still ongoing.
The Chicks Remember Laura in an Instagram Post
Members of the band paid tribute to Laura through a post on Instagram. In the post, they expressed their shock and grief over Laura’s passing. They recalled happy memories about touring with Laura, making memories, and playing great music. They also credited Laura for being a key reason behind the band’s early success. The band concluded the post by saying their thoughts went to Laura’s family and loved ones.
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Country fans will remember that the original Dixie Chicks band comprised Laura, Martie Maguire, Emily Strayer, and Robin Lynn Macy. During their early days, the band mostly played on street corners and focused on Bluegrass. Laura played the upright bass and eventually became the group’s lead singer.
The original group released three albums while together. In 1990, they released the album, “Thank Heavens for Dale Evans.” The next album was released in 1992 and was entitled, “Little Ol’ Cowgirl.” And the final album the original group released was in 1993 and called “Shouldn’t a Told You That.” As the band started to hit the mainstream and transitioned from Bluegrass to Modern Country, Laura left the group. In 1995, Laura left and was replaced by Natalie Maines.
That wasn’t the only major change that occurred to the band either. They also changed their name from The Dixie Chicks to The Chicks in 2020. This change came about during the time of George Floyd’s murder. According to USA Today, the reason behind the switch was due to a desire to stop any association with old Southern beliefs.
Laura Lynch’s Legacy
While Laura left the band before it got big, they did play at some important events. The US Sun explains that while they were touring through small events and festivals, they ended up winning the award for Best Band at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. They also started opening for big-time musicians and bands like Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, and George Strait. The band even had the opportunity to play at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1991. When Bill Clinton became president, the band was also chosen to play at his inaugural ball in 1993.
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According to the US Sun, when Laura left the group, the reasons weren’t immediately made clear to the public. The band still doesn’t discuss the reason for her departure. During an interview with Anita Chang, Laura wouldn’t discuss the reason she left the band. She only said she was replaced, and it hurt to be replaced. Anita also stated during her interview that Laura spent a lot of time oil painting and collecting oil paintings.
Laura was 65 when she passed away.
