Country Music Essay

Of all musical genres country music is perhaps the one most influenced by a male presence. Country music is often associated with the classic cowboy strumming a guitar around a campfire or riding his horse with a guitar strapped to his back. Even the politics of country music is inclined towards a male-dominated, republican, conservative, pro-war stance (Spong 184). The stereotypical women of country music “behave properly” and passively follow the same values as men do. Therefore, in 2003 when the Dixie Chicks, a three member all female country music band, became the top selling female group of all time it was quite an accomplishment. Their success began in 1997 with an image that embraced their versatility. Martie Maguire and Emily Robison, who are sisters, played fiddle and banjo and provided background vocals to lead vocalist Natalie Maines, gifted with a strong, clear voice. Maines stood out from the others with her forceful stage presence. They wore feminine, bling infused, non-countrified outfits. They were pretty to look at and kind of goofy in demeanor (129). The kind of young women fans could imagine having a lot of fun with, but also the kind that young women could identify with through their music. Songs like “Goodbye Earl” described a strong woman who has had enough of her abusive husband and ends up killing him. However, the band delivered it in a style that was far from morose. It sent a clear message of girl power for many women (129). Many accolades followed from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association (CMA) which included Entertainer of the Year, Top Vocal Group, and album of the Year (Towner 293). During the first five years of their career they sold 28 million copies of the three records...

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...klisted from the world of country music for daring to make an anti-war statement and questioning the president’s decision-making. The reaction to lead singer Maines’s statement and uncovered a misogynistic mentality that had been laying somewhat dormant in the country music culture. The swift and devastating reaction to the statement revealed the ugly consequences when one does not follow the stereotypical country music brand of womanhood. Verbal slurs and death threats, CD destruction, and removal of their music from the country station airwaves. However, the Dixie Chicks did not back down. They remained true to their convictions. Their song “Not Ready to Make Nice” made a clear statement. They had no regrets. The Dixie Chicks still remain a symbol for strong women in music as well as brought the problem with the status of women in the United States to a forefront.