Natalie Maines, the iconic frontwoman of the legendary country group The Dixie Chicks, now known as The Chicks, has been captivating audiences with her powerful voice and unique sound for decades. With 13 Grammy Awards under her belt and a solo album to her name, Natalie has undoubtedly left her mark on the country music scene. As The Chicks make their much-anticipated return with a new album, let’s delve into 10 lesser-known facts about this trailblazing artist.
1. A Presidential Controversy That Rocked The Country Music World
In the early 2000s, The Chicks were a force to be reckoned with, but their career took an unexpected turn when Natalie publicly criticized President George W. Bush for his decision to invade Iraq. Her bold statement that she was “ashamed” Bush hailed from her home state of Texas sent shockwaves through the country music community, leading several stations to boycott The Chicks’ music.
2. A Heartfelt Album Inspired By Personal Struggles
Gaslighter, The Chicks’ first album since 2006, is a deeply personal and introspective record. Natalie has revealed that much of the album was inspired by her divorce, giving fans a raw and honest glimpse into her life.
3. Sharing The Stage With Queen Bey
Beyoncé’s star power transcends genres, so when Natalie and The Chicks had the opportunity to perform with the global superstar at the 2016 Country Music Awards, it was a dream come true for the country trio.
4. A Long-Awaited Name Change
The Chicks recently dropped “Dixie” from their name to distance themselves from the Confederacy’s racist past. Natalie revealed that she had been wanting to change the name for years, making the decision an easy one despite the band’s 30-year history.
5. A Nature Lover At Heart
Despite her superstar status, Natalie remains a down-to-earth Texas girl who loves spending time outdoors. Hiking and exploring the beauty of nature are among her favorite pastimes when she’s not busy working.
6. A Devoted Mother Juggling Career And Parenthood
Natalie has successfully balanced her demanding career with being a loving mother to her two children. Despite the challenges of being away from home for extended periods, she has found a way to make it work.
7. A Passionate Advocate For Animal Rights
Natalie’s love for animals extends beyond her biological children. She has been a foster parent for dogs and uses her platform to encourage pet adoption. At one point, she had five dogs: Emmylou, King, Max, Scout, and Jake.
8. A Life Of Accomplishments And Creative Freedom
Natalie has achieved everything she set out to do in her career, allowing her to enjoy the creative process without the pressure of chasing goals. She can now focus on having fun and exploring new avenues in her music.
9. A Brief Stint At West Texas A&M
Although Natalie always knew she wanted to be a singer, her path to success wasn’t straightforward. After high school, she briefly attended West Texas A&M but never declared a major and eventually left to pursue her passion for music.
10. A Cheerleader With A Twist
Natalie defied stereotypes as a high school cheerleader, sporting a half-shaved head while cheering on her team. In an interview with Rolling Stone, she reminisced about her unconventional cheerleading days, showcasing her unique spirit that would later define her music career.
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