The Dixie Chicks were formed in 1989. The original Dixie Chicks were Martie Erwin, Emily Erwin, Laura Lynch, and Robin Lynn Macy. In 1992, after the group put out two albums, Robin left the group. Then in 1995, after the Dixie Chick's third album, Laura left the band, leaving them without a lead singer.
Lloyd Maines, who had played the steel guitar on two of the Dixie Chick's albums, gave them a copy of his daughter, Natalie's demo tape. Emily and Martie called Natalie. She later dropped out of school to become the Dixie Chick's new lead singer. Reenergized with Natalie's presence, the Dixie Chick's continued to work hard in the following year. They played any gig they could get, including birthday parties and at grocery stores. Their hard work finally paid off. Sony producer Blake Chancey flew to Austin, Texas to audition the group. The group signed with Sony in 1996, and began recording their first album in 1997. With the release of that album, Wide Open Spaces, in 1998, the Dixie Chicks won two Grammy Awards. The nine million copies of that album that sold made it the biggest selling album by a country group or duo. The Chicks won various awards for Wide Open Spaces, including three Academy of Country Music Awards and two Country Music Association Awards. With the success of their album, Natalie suggested that for every gold record and number one hit, the Chicks should get little chick feet tattoos. They have eleven now.
In July of 1999, The Dixie Chicks became the first country act to headline the Lilith Fair. Fly, which came out in 1999, was the group's second album. It won two Grammy Awards as well. The first single, Ready to Run, was also featured on the Runaway Bride Soundtrack. The group debuted the video for their third single from Fly, "Goodbye Earl" at the 1999 Grammy Awards. The Dixie Chicks then started their first headline tour on June 1, 2000.
