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Lady Antebellum changes name amid Black Lives Matter protests

The country band “Lady Antebellum” is changing its name to “Lady A," a moniker the band said its fans gave them “almost from the start.” The change was announced on social media Thursday morning.

Band members Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood explained the significance of the word “Antebellum” and why they are dropping it:

...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."

The band said they chose the name more than 14 years ago after the antebellum-style home where they shot their first photos. They also said it reminded them of Southern styles of music.

Band members said that 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 group’s first self-titled album debuted 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 career.

The band said it is deeply sorry for the hurt the group’s name has caused, and for anyone who felt unsafe, unseen or unvalued.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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