Laura Lynch, one of the founding members of the country music phenomenon known as the Dixie Chicks, has tragically passed away at the age of 65. Her untimely death occurred in a car crash on a highway outside of El Paso, Texas. The news of her passing was first reported by TMZ, a popular entertainment news outlet.
The incident unfolded as Lynch was driving eastward on Highway 62 on a fateful day. Another vehicle, traveling in the opposite direction, attempted to pass a slower-moving vehicle in front of it. In a heartbreaking twist of fate, this passing car crossed the dotted line into the east-bound lane, resulting in a catastrophic head-on collision with Lynch’s vehicle. Despite the severity of her injuries, the other driver survived with non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. Tragically, Laura Lynch did not survive the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Texas Department of Public Safety subsequently confirmed the devastating news of Lynch’s passing. Her cousin, Mick Lynch, provided additional details about the incident, explaining that Laura had been en route from El Paso to Dell City, located approximately 96 miles to the east.
Laura Lynch played a pivotal role in the early years of the Dixie Chicks, serving as the upright bassist for the original quartet lineup. However, her contribution extended beyond just playing the bass, as she later stepped in as a lead vocalist during her tenure with the group. The Dixie Chicks, later rebranded as The Chicks in 2020, underwent this name change in response to the growing calls for racial justice following the tragic murder of George Floyd.
The Chicks released a heartfelt statement on their Instagram account to commemorate Lynch’s memory. In the statement, they expressed their shock and sadness at her passing, emphasizing the special place she held in their hearts. They reminisced about the time they spent together, making music, laughing, and traveling. Laura Lynch was described as a bright light with infectious energy and humor, qualities that enriched the early days of the band. Additionally, they acknowledged her talents in design, her love for Texas, and her instrumental role in the band’s early success.
Lynch was one of the founding members of The Dixie Chicks, which originally formed in 1989. The original quartet also included vocalist and guitarist Robin Lynn Macy, Martie Maguire (née Erwin) on fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and vocals, and Emily Strayer (née Erwin) on guitar, banjo, dobro, and vocals. In the early years, Lynch and Macy shared lead vocal duties on the group’s initial albums, “Thank Heavens for Dale Evans” (1990) and “Little Ol’ Cowgirl” (1992).
However, a turning point came when Macy departed from the group in 1993, coinciding with the band’s shift towards contemporary songwriting. Laura Lynch stepped into the spotlight, taking on all lead vocals for their third album, “Shouldn’t a Told You That” (1993). Subsequently, the band’s sound continued to evolve, with the addition of guitarist and lead singer Natalie Maines.
The transition marked a significant change in the group’s trajectory. The new trio lineup, featuring Lynch, Maguire, and Strayer, achieved commercial success with their fourth album, “Wide Open Spaces” (1998), which reached Diamond status in the US, selling over 13 million units. Their follow-up album, “Fly” (1999), also became their first number-one album on the Billboard 200 chart.
Despite their flourishing career, The Chicks faced controversy in 2003 when Natalie Maines criticized the invasion of Iraq and then-President George W. Bush. This led to a backlash from right-wing country music fans, resulting in thousands of country music stations banning their music for several years.
Following their 2006 album, “Taking The Long Way,” The Chicks took a hiatus from recording until they made a triumphant return in 2020 with the release of “Gaslighter.” This album not only revived their fortunes but also propelled them back into the upper echelons of the Billboard 200, peaking at number three.
In addition to their musical endeavors, The Dixie Chicks also underwent a significant name change in 2020. They officially became known as The Chicks in response to the nationwide protests for racial justice triggered by the killing of George Floyd. The members expressed a long-standing desire to shed the association of their previous name with the Antebellum South and chattel slavery.
Laura Lynch’s untimely passing marks a somber moment in the history of country music and the Dixie Chicks’ legacy. Her contributions to the early success of the group, both musically and in her vibrant spirit, will forever be remembered by fans and fellow band members alike. As the investigation into the tragic car crash continues, the music world mourns the loss of a talented artist and a cherished member of The Chicks’ family.