Born one of 11 children to poor sharecroppers in Mississippi, Charley Pride is a shining example of the humility and hard work that is exemplified in country music. With 29 No. 1 singles under his belt, a membership with the Grand Ole Opry, and a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame, it is impossible to dispute Pride’s influence in the industry. Charley Pride passed away on December 12, 2020 from Covid related complications in Dallas, Texas. He was 86 years old.
Watch the video to discover more about the life of Charley Pride and see more details below.
Get to Know Charley Pride (Video)
Interestingly enough, Pride’s singling voice caught the attention of his team’s manager, who payed him to sing before games. Through encouragement from those around him, Pride’s first popular song was “Just Between You and Me”, his third single.
Charley Pride Just Between You and Me Video
In 1971, Pride released what became his biggest hit. “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” won Pride numerous awards, including the CMA’s prestigious Entertainer of the Year Award.
Charley Pride Kiss and Angel Good Mornin’ Video
Early Life & Background
Full Name: Charley Frank Pride
Birth Date: March 18, 1934
Birth Place: Sledge, Mississippi, USA
Death Date: December 12, 2020
Cause of Death: Complications from COVID-19
Parents: Mack and Tessie Stewart Pride
As one of eleven children, he grew up in rural Mississippi, where he worked on cotton farms alongside his family. His first exposure to music came through the Grand Ole Opry, which he listened to on the radio. Inspired by artists like Hank Williams and Ernest Tubb, Pride developed a love for country music early on. However, his first dream was to become a professional baseball player.
When Charley Pride was 14, his mother purchased him his first guitar. Pride thoroughly loved music, but he found his real passion in baseball. In 1953, he pitched for the Red Sox of the Negro American League. Pride pitched for a few other minor league teams for the next couple of years, but then was drafted into the Army. After his two-year service, Pride returned to the sport in Montana, where he played for East Helena Smelteries. Charley was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2020 CMAs.
Baseball Career & Early Struggles
Before pursuing music, Pride sought a career in professional baseball. He played for the Memphis Red Sox of the Negro American League and later tried out for Major League Baseball teams, including the New York Yankees. Though he never made it to the major leagues, he continued to play in the minors, briefly joining teams like the Boise Yankees and the Birmingham Black Barons.
To supplement his income, Pride worked at a smelting plant in Montana, where he was known for singing to his coworkers. His love for music grew stronger, and he eventually made the difficult decision to shift his focus entirely to country music.
Music Career & Rise to Fame
In the early 1960s, Pride moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue his country music career. His big break came when he was discovered by Jack Clement, a producer at RCA Victor. Despite initial industry skepticism about a Black country singer, Pride’s talent was undeniable.
His debut single, “The Snakes Crawl at Night”, was released in 1966, but it was his third single, “Just Between You and Me”, that became a breakthrough hit, earning him his first Grammy nomination in 1967.
From there, Pride’s career skyrocketed, and he quickly became one of country music’s biggest stars.
Major Hits & Career Highlights
Charley Pride dominated the country charts throughout the late 1960s and 1970s. Some of his biggest hits include:
- “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone” (1970)
- “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” (1971) — his signature song
- “All I Have to Offer You (Is Me)” (1969) — his first No. 1 hit
- “I’m Just Me” (1971)
- “Mountain of Love” (1982)
- “Burgers and Fries” (1978)
- “Roll On Mississippi” (1981)
Pride was known for his rich baritone voice, smooth delivery, and traditional country sound. He became the first Black artist to have sustained success in mainstream country music, paving the way for future generations.
Awards & Achievements
- Grammy Awards: 3 wins, including Best Country Male Vocal Performance
- Country Music Association (CMA) Awards:
- Entertainer of the Year (1971) — first Black artist to win
- Male Vocalist of the Year (1971, 1972)
- Grand Ole Opry Member (1993) — first Black artist inducted in over 25 years
- Country Music Hall of Fame Inductee (2000)
- Lifetime Achievement Award (2020 CMA Awards) — one of his last public appearances
Overcoming Racial Barriers
As a Black artist in a predominantly white genre, Pride faced racial challenges but won over audiences with his incredible talent and humble personality. He chose to let his music speak for itself, and fans embraced him wholeheartedly.
Unlike many Black musicians of his era, Pride did not blend genres but instead remained true to traditional country music, which helped him gain widespread acceptance.
Personal Life & Legacy
Charley Pride married Rozene Cohran in 1956, and they remained together until his passing. They had three children:
- Dion Pride (who also pursued a music career)
- Kraig Pride
- Angela Pride
Outside of music, Pride had a passion for baseball and later became a part-owner of the Texas Rangers MLB team.
Even as his career slowed in the 1980s and 1990s, he continued performing and recording music. His influence remained strong, with artists like Darius Rucker and Kane Brown crediting him as an inspiration.
Pride, continued his love for music and baseball throughout his life. He was selected to perform on Forever Country, celebrating 50 years of the CMA’s. In his hometown Dallas, Pride often joins the Texas Rangers for spring training. He is also a minority owner and special investor of the team.
Death & Tributes
Charley Pride passed away on December 12, 2020, at age 86, due to complications from COVID-19. His passing was met with an outpouring of tributes from country music stars and fans worldwide.
His final public performance was at the 2020 CMA Awards, where he received a Lifetime Achievement Award and performed “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” with Jimmie Allen.
Charley Pride’s Enduring Legacy
Pride’s contributions to country music go beyond just his chart success. He broke racial barriers, inspired generations, and left behind a catalog of classic country hits that still resonate today.
His impact on diversity in country music continues, as artists like Mickey Guyton, Rhiannon Giddens, and Kane Brown build on the foundation he laid.
Conclusion
Charley Pride was more than just a country singer—he was a pioneer, a trailblazer, and a legend. With 29 No. 1 hits, numerous awards, and an indelible impact on country music history, his legacy will live on for generations to come.
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