The Dixie Chicks are an American country music band formed in 1989 in Dallas, Texas. The group originally consisted of sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Robison, along with lead singer Natalie Maines. They gained fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s with hits like "Wide Open Spaces" and "Not Ready to Make Nice," blending country, pop, and bluegrass influences. The band is known for their strong vocal harmonies and musicianship, as well as their outspoken views on social and political issues. In 2003, they faced controversy after criticizing George W. Bush and the Iraq War, which led to backlash from some fans and country music radio stations.