Emily Rose Strayer (née Robison; born September 24, 1972) is an American singer, songwriter, and multi‑instrumentalist. She is best known as a founding member of the country music group The Chicks (formerly the Dixie Chicks), for which she performs primarily on banjo, guitar, and lap steel. Strayer has also released material as part of the duo Court Yard Hounds with her sister, Martie Maguire.
Early life and education
Emily Strayer was born in Plano, Texas, and raised in Dallas. She began studying music at an early age, learning piano and later picking up the banjo. Strayer attended the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, where she continued her music education.
Career
The Chicks
- In 1989, Strayer, her sister Martie Maguire, and friends formed the band The Dixie Chicks.
- The group achieved mainstream success with the 1998 album Wide Open Spaces, which earned multiple Grammy Awards.
- Strayer contributed instrumentation, backing vocals, and co‑wrote several songs throughout the band’s discography, including the albums Fly (1999), Home (2002), and Taking the Long Way (2006).
- The Chicks have sold over 30 million records worldwide and have been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame (2023).
Court Yard Hounds
- In 2010, Strayer and Maguire formed the side project Court Yard Hounds, releasing a self‑titled debut album in February 2011.
- The duo’s music blends country, folk, and rock influences, with Strayer sharing lead vocal duties and playing banjo and guitar.
Solo work and collaborations
- Strayer has performed as a session musician for other artists and has appeared on television specials, including Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show.
Instruments
Strayer is recognized for her proficiency on multiple instruments, notably:
- Banjo
- Acoustic and electric guitar
- Lap steel guitar
- Mandolin
- Dobro
Personal life
- Strayer married Martin Strayer, a financial advisor, in 1995; the marriage ended in divorce in 2017.
- In 2020, she married Johnny Severin, a professional rider and horse trainer.
Awards and recognition
- Grammy Awards (multiple categories with The Chicks, including Best Country Album and Record of the Year)
- Academy of Country Music Awards (including Vocal Group of the Year)
- Induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame (2023)
Philanthropy and activism
Strayer has participated in charitable events supporting disaster relief, music education, and women’s rights, often performing at benefit concerts and using her platform to advocate for political and social causes.
Discography (selected)
With The Chicks
- Wide Open Spaces (1998)
- Fly (1999)
- Home (2002)
- Taking the Long Way (2006)
With Court Yard Hounds
- Court Yard Hounds (2010)
- Amelita (2021)
References
(Encyclopedic entries typically cite reliable sources such as The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Grammy.com, and the Country Music Hall of Fame archives.)
