Lady Antebellum Changes Name Of Group To "Lady A" Due To Slavery Connection

BYErika Marie1.9K Views
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Landy Antebellum, Lady A
Grammy-winning country group Lady Antebellum will now be referred to as Lady A as they apologize for not taking the "Antebellum South" reference into consideration when naming themselves.

The country music scene found itself at the center of controversial news today as Grammy Award-winning trio Lady Antebellum announced they would be changing their name. The music group began in Nashville, Tennessee, and has enjoyed being a fan favorite in the country music crowd, but amid the recent protests incited by the police-involved death of George Floyd, Lady Antebellum has decided to now go by "Lady A."

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If you aren't familiar with the term "Antebellum South," it describes a period from the late 1700s all the way until the Civil War when the Southern region of the United States flourished, much due to the work of slaves. The term "Antebellum," separate from its historical context, has rubbed people the wrong way for decades, but now Lady Antebellum has decided to make a change.

"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. When we set out together almost 14 years ago, we named our band after the Southen '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."

They went on to say that they're "regretful and embarrassed" that they didn't consider its historical implications and apologized. As expected, those country fans are heated. Read through it all below.

About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.
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