Dixie Chicks, Sony Reach Agreement

Less than a year ago the Dixie Chicks began a legal battle with Sony accusing the label of "swindling them out of millions of dollars." Reportedly the trio, consisting of Emily Robinson, Natalie Maines Pasdar and Martie Seidel, sent a letter to Sony last July and stated they would not record for the company any longer. Sony countered with a lawsuit for damages for five outstanding albums. This prompted the Dixie Chicks to retaliate with a lawsuit claiming Sony used "fraudulent accounting gimmicks" that cheated them out of almost $4 million according to the accountants hired by the trio.

Apparently, it was easier for the Dixie Chicks to settle out of court even after shopping around for a new label. They reportedly talked with EMI and BMG, but in April began negotiations with Sony. The group is very excited about the release of their new album and thinks it is their best effort yet. In a statement, the group said, "We are equally excited to get the music out to our fans. Our reconciliation with Sony Music couldn’t have come at a better time."

The Dixie Chicks won Grammys for their debut Wide Open Spaces in 1998 and for their follow-up album Fly in 1999. Their new album, Home, will be released on August 27 by the joint recording label created by the Dixie Chicks and Sony, Open Wide Records. As previously reported, the label is part of the group’s $20 million recording deal with Sony. If this album tanks, Sony and the Chicks just may have to open wide and swallow their pride.