Lady A, formerly known as Lady Antebellum, is a prominent American country music group with its roots in Nashville, Tennessee, where it was established in 2006.
This dynamic ensemble comprises three talented members: Hillary Scott, known for her lead and background vocals, Charles Kelley, who brings his captivating lead and background vocals along with his guitar skills, and Dave Haywood, contributing his background vocals and mastery of the guitar, piano, and mandolin. Notably, Hillary Scott is the daughter of the renowned country music singer Linda Davis, while Charles Kelley is the sibling of the well-known pop artist Josh Kelley. In June 2020, the band made the significant decision to abbreviate its name to “Lady A” during the George Floyd protests. This was done to dissociate from any associations with slavery and the Antebellum South, inadvertently sparking a dispute with the accomplished black blues and gospel singer Anita White, who had been utilizing the name Lady A for over two decades.
Lady A made its initial appearance in 2007 as guest vocalists on Jim Brickman’s single “Never Alone” before officially signing with Capitol Nashville. Over the years, Lady A has produced a remarkable discography, including six albums under the Capitol label: “Lady Antebellum,” “Need You Now,” “Own the Night,” “Golden,” “747,” and “Heart Break.” They have also delivered a Christmas album titled “On This Winter’s Night.” Additionally, they’ve released an album under BMLG Records titled “Ocean.
Noteworthy is the fact that the first three albums have achieved platinum or higher certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). These albums have spawned an impressive sixteen singles on the Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts, with nine of them reaching the pinnacle as number one hits. Among these chart-toppers, “Need You Now” stands out, spending a remarkable five weeks at the top spot in 2009. Both “Need You Now” and “Just a Kiss,” released in 2011, achieved the number one position on the Adult Contemporary charts.
In recognition of their exceptional talent and contribution to the country music scene, Lady A has received accolades such as the Top New Duo or Group award from the Academy of Country Music and the New Artist of the Year title from the Country Music Association in 2008. They’ve also secured Grammy Awards nominations, with two at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards and two more at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards. Their exceptional song “I Run to You” earned them the prestigious Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by Duo or Group with Vocals.
In 2010, at the 44th ACM Awards, they clinched an impressive trio of awards: Top Vocal Group, Song of the Year (“Need You Now”), and Single of the Year (“Need You Now”). The pinnacle of their Grammy achievements came at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards, where they won five awards, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year for “Need You Now.” Furthermore, at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards, Lady A proudly received the award for Best Country Album for “Own the Night.” As of August 2013, the group had achieved remarkable commercial success, selling more than 12.5 million digital singles and 10 million albums in the United States.
