Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing

Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing follows the all-female country music trio the Dixie Chicks through a tumultuous period in their career. It centers on the aftermath of lead singer Natalie Maines’ controversial statement during a 2003 London concert just days before the U.S. invasion of Iraq, where she expressed shame that President George W. Bush was from Texas. This remark sparked intense backlash from conservative groups and country music fans in the United States.

The film chronicles the band’s journey as they face the consequences of their political stance, including radio boycotts, death threats, and pressure from both corporate and political entities. Directors Barbara Kopple and Cecilia Peck capture intimate moments of the Dixie Chicks’ personal and professional lives, showcasing their resilience and determination to stand by their convictions.

Throughout the documentary, viewers witness the band’s struggle to navigate the music industry and maintain their artistic integrity while dealing with the fallout from their political statement. The film provides insight into the songwriting process for their album “Taking the Long Way,” which addresses the controversy head-on.

The title of the documentary is inspired by conservative commentator Laura Ingraham’s phrase “shut up and sing,” which she used in her 2003 book criticizing celebrities who speak out on political issues. The film’s tagline, “freedom of speech is fine as long as you don’t do it in public,” references a protester’s statement captured in the documentary.