The Chicks star Laura Lynch ‘dies in car accident’ aged 65

The Chicks star Laura Lynch has died, according to a family member. She was reportedly travelling in a car in Texas when she was involved in a collision. Her cousin Mick Lynch told American publication TMZ that she passed away on Friday (December 22).

Further details about the collision are yet to be released. Laura was a founding member of The Dixie Chicks in 1989 alongside Martie Maguire, Emily Strayer, and Robin Lynn Macy. She left the band in 1995.

She played upright bass for the band and also sang lead vocals with Robin. The band name was taken from the album Dixie Chicken by Lowell George of Little Feat.They initially played predominantly bluegrass and a mix of country standards. The Dixie Chicks began building a fan base, winning the prize for "best band" at the 1990 Telluride Bluegrass Festival and opening for established country music artists, including such names as Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, and George Strait.

Lynch was thrust into the role of sole lead singer on their third independent album, Shouldn't a Told You That in 1993, but the band was unable to attract support from a major record label, and the band struggled to expand their fan base beyond Texas and Nashville. New manager Simon Renshaw approached music executive Scott Siman and he signed them to a developmental deal with Sony Music Entertainment's Nashville division. The deal was finalized with Sony over mid-1995, and Lynch was replaced by Natalie Maines.

At the time, the sisters Martie and Emily stated that Lynch had been considering leaving the band for over a year because she wanted to spend more time with her daughter at home. In a later interview, Laura said, "It can't really be characterized as a resignation. There are three Dixie Chicks, and I'm only one."

After her time with the band, Laura spent her free time learning to oil paint and moved to Mineral Wells to raise her daughter, Asia. Around the same time, she became reacquainted with an old family friend, Mac Tull. They were married in 1997.

Laura said she had no regrets about her life in the Dixie Chicks, despite admitting the stress of touring had affected her health.

She added: "It was worth it.

I'd get anemic all over again to do it."

References

1. ^ Strictly Come Dancing's Shirley Ballas rushes dog to emergency vet after injury (www.birminghammail.co.uk)