Laura Lynch, a founding member of the Dixie Chicks, tragically lost her life in a car accident in West Texas on a Friday evening. The specifics of the accident are not yet known. Her cousin, Michael Lynch, confirmed the sad news to CBS News.
Laura Lynch was not just a member of the band, but one of its founders. She was an upright bass player and started the band in 1989 with three other women, including sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer. This information is according to the band’s biography on Country Music television. The group had recorded three albums together before Laura Lynch decided to leave. She was replaced by Natalie Maines, forming the current trio of Maines, Maguire, and Strayer.
In a 1992 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Lynch shared that the band was a collective effort. She expressed her hope for a resurgence of “female harmony”. She also discussed the origin of the band’s name. While driving around and listening to Little Feat, they heard the lyrics “Dixie Chicken”. It was suggested that they name the band “Dixie Chickens”. However, the idea of being called “chickens” did not sit well with everyone, so they shortened it to “Dixie Chicks”.
In June 2020, the band decided to change its name to “The Chicks”. This decision was made as the U.S. was grappling with its history of racial injustice following the killing of George Floyd. The term “Dixie” has often been linked to the era of slavery.
On Saturday afternoon, the band released a statement describing Lynch as a “bright light”. They wrote about her infectious energy and humor that added a spark to the early days of the band. Laura had a knack for design and a love for all things Texas.
Laura Lynch played a crucial role in the early success of the band. Her undeniable talents helped the band move from busking on street corners to performing on stages all across Texas and the Midwest. The statement was signed by Maines, Maguire, and Strayer.
Lynch co-founded the group in 1989 with sisters Maguire and Strayer (née Erwin). After recording three albums, she left the group in 1993 and was replaced by Maines. Initially, she was the group’s bass player, but she began singing with the band after the departure of its original vocalist, Robin Lynn Macy, in 1992.