Laura Lynch was a founding member of the Dixie Chicks, playing bass and providing vocals as part of the original line up.
- Died: December 22, 2023 (Who else died on December 22?)
- Details of death: Died in a car accident outside Cornudas, Texas, at the age of 65.
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Laura Lynch’s legacy
Lynch grew up on her grandfather’s ranch in Texas before founding what would become the Dixie Chicks with Robin Lynn Macy and sisters Emily Strayer and Martie Maguire in 1988. As part of the original line up, Lynch provided vocals and played bass. For six years, the quartet performed what they called “cowgirl music,” a blend of old-time country music, bluegrass, and acoustic, mostly in small venues and festival circuits.
Between 1990 and 1992, the group released two albums, “Thank Heavens for Dale Evans” and “Little Ol’ Cowgirl.” However, it wasn’t until after Macy left the band in 1992 that the now-trio began to achieve some recognition and success. With Lynch taking over for Macy as lead vocalist, they released a follow-up album, “Shouldn’t a Told You That.” Soon after, in a career high point, Lynch and her bandmates were invited to play at an inaugural ball for President Bill Clinton in 1993.
However, the band continued to struggle with expanding their fanbase and convincing major record labels to take a chance on an all-woman band. Eventually, Lynch left the Dixie Chicks in 1995 and was replaced by Natalie Maines. After leaving the public spotlight, she joined the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas as a public relations officer, and reportedly spent much of her time taking up oil painting and spending time with her daughter.
Lynch on her time with the Dixie Chicks
“It was worth it … I’d get anemic all over again to do it.” —from a 2003 interview for the Associated Press
Full obituary: The New York Times
