The Civil Wars were a musical duo composed of Joy Williams and John Paul White, formed in 2008.

Prior to Williams and White meeting at a songwriting workshop in Nashville, the two had already established their solo careers. At the time, Williams previously released five albums (Joy Williams, By Surprise, Genesis, Connect Sets EP, Every Moment: The Best of Joy Williams) and White only released The Long Goodbye. When the two were randomly paired to write together, they quickly discovered how well they work together. Williams said in a 2012 interview:

[W]hen he started singing it was like I knew where he was going to go before he went there.

In the same interview, White said of meeting with Williams:

When we started singing together, there was this weird click; it was like there was a dance going where I knew I could lead her but she could lead me, too.

After making plans to meet again very soon after the workshop, they wrote “Falling” during their first session at Williams' house. When they were coming up with a name for the project, Williams came up with The Civil Wars:

I came up with the name. It has nothing to do with the historical meaning. There is a great quote that I believe is Plato, who said, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.” As I was thinking about the music we make, that sense of battle seemed applicable. That sense of yin and yang, of male and female, of our differing backgrounds, all that seemed to allude to the battles that we all face with faith or addictions or jobs or relationships. Every single person walking down the street is fighting a great battle, whether or not you can see it.

The duo performed as The Civil Wars for the first time at the French Quarter Cafe in Nashville on April 7, 2009. Charlie Peacock, After Williams' former producer attended and was impressed by their chemistry, he began working with them the next day. The Civil Wars' second live show, held on April 8, 2009, was recorded, with eight of the songs performed appearing on Live at Eddie’s Attic as a free download.

The duo’s popularity grew when their song “Poison & Wine” was used in a 2009 episode of ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy. They uploaded the newly recorded version to iTunes and recorded an accompanying music video. On Twitter, Taylor Swift even declared her love for The Civil Wars.

“Poison & Wine” debuted at #4 on the iTunes Singer/Songwriter chart. They consistently toured throughout 2009 and 2010.

In January 2011, The Civil Wars performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Their debut album, Barton Hollow, was released on February 1, 2011. The album charted at #1 on the Digital Albums, #1 on the Americana/Folk Albums, #2 on the Rock Albums, and #10 on the Billboard 200. Though the title track was the only single released from the album, other notable songs on the album include “Poison & Wine”, “Falling”, and “20 Years”. The duo also released an EP, Tracks in the Snow in November of the same year. The Civil Wars collaborated with Taylor Swift on the song “Safe & Sound”, which was released on December 26.

In 2012, The Civil Wars won two Grammy Awards for Best Folk Album and Best Country Duo/Group Performance, both for Barton Hollow. They toured for most of the year, but on November 6, they announced the cancellation the remaining tour dates and went on an indefinite hiatus:

We sincerely apologize for the canceling of all of our tour dates. It is something we deeply regret. However, due to internal discord and irreconcilable differences of ambition we are unable to continue as a touring entity at this time. We thank each and every one of you for your amazing love & support. Our sincere hope is to have new music for you in 2013.

In 2013, with Taylor Swift, The Civil Wars won their third Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media for “Safe & Sound”.
Their self-titled second album, recorded in mid-2012 was released in 2013. Though Peacock and Williams did interviews to support the release of the album, White remained at his Alabama home with his family. Peacock acknowledged the two during the album’s recording sessions.

There was a definitely a difference [in the personality dynamic]. I picked up on some sort of tension right from the start, but to me, it seemed like it was about fatigue. […] I never saw them butt heads on the music.

Even with their internal issues, the group’s album reached #1 on the following charts: Billboard 200, Digital Albums, Americana/Folk Albums, Tastemaker Albums, and Top Rock Albums. Three singles were released from the album: “The One That Got Away”, “From This Valley”, and “Dust to Dust”. An EP, Between the Bars, was also released in early 2014.

In 2014, White and Williams won their fourth Grammy, this time for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for the song “From This Valley”. The Civil Wars officially announced the group’s breakup on their website on August 5, 2014. The duo bid farewell to their fans with a download of “You Are My Sunshine”.

Joy Williams on the breakup:

I am saddened and disappointed by the ending of this duo, to say the very least. JP is a tremendous musician, and I will always be grateful for the music we were able to create together. I sincerely hope that ‘You Are My Sunshine’ will be accepted as a token of my gratitude for every single person that has supported our duo throughout the years. I’m so thankful and my heart is full. Looking ahead, I’m excited to share the music that I am writing and recording in the midst of this difficult transition. I’ve loved being back in the studio, and have missed performing live. I look forward to seeing you soon.

John Paul White on the breakup:

I would like to express sincere thanks to all who were a part of the arc of The Civil Wars—from the beginning, to the end, and all points in between. My deep appreciation goes out to all who supported, disseminated, and enjoyed the music. Whatever shape or form the next chapter takes, thanks for being a large part of this one.

Discography:

2009: Live at Eddie’s Attic

2009: Poison & Wine EP

2011: Barton Hollow

2011: iTunes Live: SXSW

2011: Tracks in the Snow

2012: Live @ Sundance

2012: Live at Amoeba

2013: Unplugged on VH1

2013: The Civil Wars

2013: To Be Determined

2013: Bare Bones EP

2014: Between the Bars