Charley Pride: A Country Music Legend
Charley Pride was a trailblazing country music icon who broke barriers and left an indelible mark on the genre. Born on March 18, 1934, in Sledge, Mississippi, Pride rose from humble beginnings to become one of country music’s biggest stars.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Baseball Career
Pride was born to sharecropper parents, Tessie and Fowler McArthur Pride. He was the fourth of eleven children, growing up in a family that worked hard to make ends meet. As a young man, Pride dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player. He learned to play guitar at age 14 but focused primarily on his athletic pursuits.
Pride played in the Negro Leagues for teams like the Memphis Red Sox and Birmingham Black Barons. He also had stints with minor league affiliates of the New York Mets and New York Yankees.
The Road to Country Stardom
While playing baseball, Pride would often sing for his teammates. His talent caught the attention of country music insiders. In 1965, Pride auditioned for producer Jack Clement in Nashville. Chet Atkins, RCA’s vice president, recognized Pride’s exceptional talent.
Pride’s first singles, “The Snakes Crawl at Night” and “Before I Met You,” were released without publicity photos to avoid racial bias.
Rise to Fame
In 1967, Pride’s single “Just Between You and Me” broke into the Top 10 country chart, earning him his first Grammy nomination. He became country music’s first Black superstar, amassing 52 Top 10 hits between 1967 and 1987.
“Kiss an Angel Good Morning,” released in 1971, became Pride’s signature hit and a crossover success.
Awards and Accolades
Pride won multiple Grammy Awards, including two in 1971 for his gospel album “Did You Think to Pray.” He was the first Black artist to win the CMA Male Vocalist of the Year, achieving this feat twice in a row. In 2000, Pride was inducted into the prestigious Country Music Hall of Fame.
Impact on Country Music
Pride became the first Black member of the Grand Ole Opry since DeFord Bailey decades earlier. With 29 No. 1 country hits and 12 gold albums, Pride was one of the most successful country artists ever. His success paved the way for other Black artists in country music, inspiring generations to come.
Comparing Pride to His Contemporaries
As a Black artist in a predominantly white genre, Pride stood out among his contemporaries. His chart success rivalled that of country legends like Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard. Like Glen Campbell, Pride found success beyond the country music audience.
Later Career and Legacy
Pride remained active in music well into his later years, continuing to tour and record. He invested in the Texas Rangers baseball team and pursued successful business ventures in real estate. In 1994, Pride published his autobiography, “Pride: The Charley Pride Story.”
Final Years and Passing
Pride released his final album, “Music in My Heart,” in 2017. Charley Pride passed away on December 12, 2020, in Dallas, Texas, due to complications from COVID-19.
Remembering a Legend
Pride’s music continues to inspire and entertain fans around the world. His success as a Black artist in country music helped break down racial barriers in the industry.
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