The Real Reason Lady Antebellum Is Changing Its Name
Lady Antebellum is changing its name. The country trio, which came together in 2006, came forward on Twitter on June 11, 2020 to announce that it was "deeply sorry" for using a moniker that has its roots in slavery. As such, members Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley, and Dave Haywood have changed their name to Lady A.
"As a band, we have strived for our music to be a refuge...inclusive of all," the band told its fans. "We've watched and listened more than ever these last few weeks, and our hearts have been stirred with conviction, our eyes opened wide to the injustices, inequality and biases Black women and men have always faced and continue to face everyday. After much personal reflection, band discussion, prayer and many honest conversations with some of our closest Black friends and colleagues, we have decided to drop the word 'antebellum' from our name and move forward as Lady A, the nickname our fans gave us almost from the start. "
The members of Lady A aren't the first musicians to change their band's name, but in this case, the decision drew a mix of praise and some serious criticism.
Lady A apologizes to those who felt 'unsafe' and 'unvalued'
Lady A, formerly known as Lady Antebellum, jumped on social media on June 11, 2020 to explain why the country band changed its name. The trio wrote: "When we set out together almost 14 years ago, we named our band after the southern 'antebellum' style home where we took our first photos. As musicians, it reminded us of all the music born in the south that influenced us...Southern Rock, Blues, R&B, Gospel and of course Country. But we are regretful and embarrassed to say that we did not take into account the associations that weigh down this word referring to the period of history before The Civil War, which includes slavery. We are deeply sorry for the hurt this has caused and for anyone who has felt unsafe, unseen or unvalued. Causing pain was never our hearts' intention, but it doesn't change the fact that indeed, it did just that. So today, we speak up and make a change. We hope you will dig in and join us."
The members of Lady A – Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley, and Dave Haywood — pledged to continue educating themselves and to "search the parts of our hearts that need pruning — to grow into better humans."
The big change attracted mixed reactions on Twitter. Some criticized the decision, accusing the trio of "pandering" and "apologizing" unnecessarily. Others praised the band for acknowledging and growing from its past mistakes.