Four years ago, the Dixie Chicks caused uproar among many US country music fans for saying they were "ashamed" of President George Bush. In public. In a concert. On stage. In front of thousands of people. In London.
There were public protests. CD destruction parties. Death threats. The Clear Channel network of music stations suddenly changed their programming.
But now comes vindication, in the form of five Grammys.
What happened? The Chicks withdrew for a while, but then they made a new album, Taking The Long Way. The album includes a cheeky song, "Not Ready to Make Nice," including lyrics like "I'm not ready to back down, I'm still mad as hell." Their vindication may be found in a BBC report, stripped of Grammy award news other than the Dixie Chicks.
Dixie Chicks earn Grammys triumph
The Dixie Chicks' awards included song and album of the year
Grammys highlights Country trio The Dixie Chicks have made a triumphant comeback by dominating the major honours at the Grammy Awards.
The group's five prizes come four years after they caused uproar among many US country music fans for saying they were "ashamed" of President George Bush.
Their awards included best song, record and album. . . .
The Dixie Chicks' victory in the top three categories represents vindication for a group who were banned from many US radio stations and received death threats after making their controversial comments.
At a concert in London on the eve of the Iraq war in 2003, singer Natalie Maines told the crowd she was "ashamed" that Mr Bush came from her home state, Texas.
At the Grammy ceremony on Sunday, their single Not Ready to Make Nice - including lyrics like "I'm not ready to back down, I'm still mad as hell" - was named song of the year and record of the year.
It also picked up best country performance by a duo or group.
Their haul was completed by best album as well as best country album for Taking The Long Way.
"That's interesting," Maines said on accepting one award. "Well, to quote the great Simpsons: 'Heh-heh.'"
Bandmate Emily Robison added: "We wouldn't have done this album without everything we went through, so we have no regrets."
The Grammy Awards are the most prestigious honours in the global music calendar, with 108 categories ranging from pop to jazz to gospel to polka. . . .
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/...
Published: 2007/02/12 05:13:01 GMT
© BBC MMVII
I couldn't resist adding a bit of emphasis to one of Natalie Maine's statements.
Of course, in these last four years, the floor has dropped out from under the President's popular support.
Bob in HI