Grammy-winning country group The Chicks performed the national anthem at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday, but for those unfamiliar with the group, they probably know them by another name.
In 2020, The Chicks, formerly known as The Dixie Chicks, dropped the Dixie from their name.
Comprised of Martie Maguire, Natalie Maines and Emily Strayer, The Chicks said the decision was tied to the Southern states of the United States, particularly those that were part of the Confederacy, and that they wanted to “respond to this moment.”
The move follows a similar decision by country group Lady Antebellum to change their name to Lady A after acknowledging the word’s association with slavery.
The Chicks, who were releasing their first new album in 14 years at the time, posted a new video for their new song, “March March,” featuring videos and images from Black Lives Matter rallies.
The Chicks are the best-selling girl group in the United States with over 33 million albums sold in the United States, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. Originally formed in Texas as a bluegrass band, the group achieved commercial fame with their hit album “Wide Open Spaces.” The group has won 13 Grammy Awards.
Their performance at the 2024 DNC was not their first political musical performance, having also sung the anthem in a pre-recorded performance for the 2020 DNC.
The group was sidelined from country radio following a 2003 incident when lead singer Maines criticized then-President George W. Bush over the Iraq War. They responded to the backlash with their song “Not Ready to Make Nice” and swept the Grammys in 2007, winning three of the best all-genre categories.
Watch the DNC Live
NBC Chicago will again offer live streaming of the speeches each day through Thursday in the player above and on the NBC 5 Chicago News 24/7 streaming channel.
Additionally, viewers can also access expanded convention coverage via NBCChicago.com, Telemundochicago.com and their respective apps and on YouTube.
Broadcast times include:
THURSDAY: 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
NBC 5 will also carry live coverage of NBC News’ primetime events, featuring the evening’s keynote speakers, interviews with prominent politicians and swing voters, as well as a preview of next month’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago and the highly anticipated presidential election in November.
Primetime coverage of the DNC will air live from the United Center at 8 p.m. Thursday.
