Grammy-winning country group Lady Antebellum is changing its name to Lady A, with members saying they are regretful and embarrassed for not taking into consideration the word’s associations with slavery.
The band, made up of Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood, made the announcement Thursday on their social media.
The statement said that they chose the name after the antebellum style home where they shot their first band photos, and it reminded them of Southern styles of music.
Change: Lady Antebellum (above in 2019) is changing its name to Lady A, with members saying they are regretful and embarrassed for the word’s associations with slavery.
But they said in recent weeks, their eyes have been opened to ‘blindspots we didn’t even know existed’ and ‘the injustices, inequality and biases black women and men have always faced.’
The ‘antebellum south’ describes a period in the history of the Southern United States between 1830-1860 when many African-Americans were enslaved by aristocrats.
The period in the South’s history was known for economic growth of the region, largely due to its heavy reliance on slavery.
The ‘antebellum period’ of the old South describes a time between 1830-1860 when many African-Americans were enslaved by aristocrats
Addressing their fans: The group posted a lengthy caption on Thursday
Taking action: Band members Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood have expressed their regret over the name
Changes: In an Instagram post the band said they feel they have been ‘awakened’
The band – who have been using the name since 2006 – said it is deeply sorry for the hurt this has caused and for anyone who felt unsafe, unseen or unvalued.
‘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,’ the Nashville group explained.
‘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.’
In what appeared to be in reference to the unlawful killing of unarmed black man George Floyd and the ensuing race protests, the band said they have ‘watched and listened more than ever these last few weeks.’
Adding: ‘Our hears 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 every day.
‘Deeply sorry’: The band have been using its name since 2006
The group – formed in Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A. in 2006 – stated that the change of band name was their way of a commitment to ‘practice antiracism.’
‘We will continue to educate ourselves, have hard conversations and search the parts of our hearts that need pruning – to grow into better humans, better neighbors,’ they wrote.
‘Our next outward step will be a donation to the equal justice initiative through Ladyaid. Our prayer is that if we lead by example…with humility, love, empathy and action.’
‘We can be better allies to those suffering from spoken and unspoken injustices, while influencing our children and generations to come.’
The group’s first self-titled album came out in 2008, and included the Grammy-winning No. 1 country hit I Run To You, then it achieved crossover success on the pop charts with the nine-times platinum Need You Now.
They won three Grammys for that song, including Record of the Year. They have also won numerous Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music awards during their nearly 14 year career.
Lead singer Hillary Scott is the daughter of country music singer Linda Davis, while guitarist Charles Kelley is the brother of pop singer Josh Kelley.
Scott previously revealed that said she was rejected from auditions for American Idol twice, not even making it past the first round, before forming the band.
The group made its debut in 2007 as guest vocalists on Jim Brickman’s single Never Alone, before signing to Capitol Nashville and releasing six albums, the first three of which were all certified platinum or higher.
Their albums include Lady Antebellum, Need You Now, Own the Night, Golden, 747, Heart Break and Ocean, and one Christmas album, On This Winter’s Night.