Martie Maguire

Martie Maguire, the virtuosic fiddler and founding member of the Grammy-award winning group, The Chicks, is an artist whose evolutionary journey in music unfurls a tapestry rich in texture, intrigue, and resilience. Born Martha Elenor Erwin on October 12, 1969, in York, Pennsylvania, and reared in the heart of Texas, Maguire’s early life hinted at a musical destiny. With a bow in hand by the age of five, she began playing the violin, a path that would later wend through a brilliantly diverse career and leave an indelible mark on the country and bluegrass genres. As a child, Maguire was enveloped in the rhythm of bluegrass tunes, a fondness cultivated through her parents’ records and numerous trips to festivals around Texas. Her musical foundation was fortified further as she and her younger sister, Emily Erwin (later Emily Strayer), began to perform as teenagers. As a duo, they dazzled regional fiddle competitions and local gatherings, their sibling synergy and raw talent becoming apparent very early on. The late 1980s saw the Erwin sisters join forces with Robin Lynn Macy and Laura Lynch to form a quartet called Dixie Chicks, then a soon-to-be bright star on the horizon of country music. Their sound—a magnetic fusion of bluegrass, folk, and a hint of mainstream country—was a refreshing deviation that caught the attention of fans and industry executives alike. Maguire's fiddle playing was integral to the band's sound, bringing an edge and authenticity that harkened back to her musical roots. The group's transformation began in earnest in the mid-1990s when Natalie's Maines replaced Lynch as lead vocalist. This change was pivotal, propelling them to mainstream success. With the release of "Wide Open Spaces" in 1998, The Chicks vaulted to stardom. The album, saturated with chart-topping hits, not only cemented their place in music history but also showcased Maguire’s impeccable skill on string instruments. Her fiddling on tracks like "Cowboy Take Me Away" provided a lush, melodic backdrop that was both innovative and steeped in tradition. As the band’s profile rose, so did their influence. Maguire, recognized for her prowess with a bow and her knack for harmonies, continued to stretch her artistry, experimenting with sounds that extended beyond conventional boundaries. Albums like "Fly" and "Home" further solidified her reputation, with "Home" notably leaning more into acoustic and bluegrass elements, a testament to Maguire’s varied influences and musical convictions. In 2003, amid a politically charged climate, The Chicks, and consequently Maguire, faced a career-altering moment. Maines’ public criticism of then-President George W. Bush sent ripples throughout the country music industry, igniting a backlash that led to widespread boycotts. While the controversy rocked their career trajectory, it showcased Maguire's resilience and commitment to artistic freedom. Despite the turbulence, the band persisted, releasing the 2006 album "Taking the Long Way," which earned five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year—a symbolic victory and a reaffirmation of their artistic integrity. In 2010, branching out from The Chicks' legacy, Maguire, alongside her sister Emily, formed the duo Court Yard Hounds. Their music bore a more personal and introspective tone, allowing Maguire to explore themes and styles that she felt were perhaps too intimate for the broader sound of The Chicks. The project served as a canvas for Martie to paint with lighter pastels of Americana infused with folk-rock, yet still underscored with her signature fiddle flair. Constant evolution marks Maguire's career. Through the highs and lows, she remained a vessel of creativity, seamlessly weaving traditional elements with modern grooves. Her contributions to music extend beyond performance; she has shaped the soundscape of contemporary country music, inspiring a generation of musicians who look to her as a beacon of versatility and perseverance. The Chicks’ evolution continued with their 2020 return with the album "Gaslighter," a fiery testament to their enduring relevance and adaptability. Maguire’s strings still sing with the fervor of her earliest days, their timbre resonating with the wisdom of a musician who has not merely adapted to the tides of change but who has led within those currents. Maguire’s legacy extends beyond the studio and stage; she is an advocate for artistic expression and a testament to the power of music as a form of personal and political expression. As a member of one of the most influential groups of our time, her journey reflects the ever-shifting landscape of music, but more intimately, it speaks to the spirit of a woman who continuously rediscovers herself through notes, rhythm, and song.