Charley Pride

In celebration of Black History Month, singer/songwriter Danielia Cotton honors the music of the late Charley Pride with her cover of his 1981 classic “Roll on Mississippi.” As one of only three African-American members of the Grand Ole Opry, Charley Pride was a trailblazer for Black country artists. Danielia’s vocals on this track encapsulate the spirit of serene summers and breezy walks along the river; channeling Charley’s energy perfectly. Listen to “Roll on Mississippi” HERE.

Country music legend and trailblazer Charley Pride's 'The Best of Charley Pride Volume II' is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Debuted in 1972 on Billboard magazine's country albums chart, it spent 16 weeks at the No. 1 spot and was Pride’s best-selling album during his career. Included on the album are hits like "Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'", "Is Anybody Goin' to San Antone," "I'd Rather Love You," "I'm Just Me" and more fan favorites.

Country music legend and trailblazer Charley Pride’s hit single “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’” is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. After being released in 1971, the song quickly became Pride’s most well-known and beloved song to date and ended up topping the charts. The sweet tune marked his eighth #1 song on the country singles chart. It also reached the Top 40 on the pop charts, peaking at #21 on the Billboard Hot 100, and went into the Top Ten of the Adult Contemporary charts and #19 on the U.S. Cash Box Top 100.

Charley Pride: I'm Just Me, a documentary about the life and career of legendary Country music superstar Charley Pride, will air on CBC's documentary Channel on Friday, March 12 at 9:00 pm E

Throughout the month of February, while celebrating Black History Month, PBS has made it easy for Charley Pride fans and new audiences alike to learn more about his history in country music and the impact he made throughout the world. As part of their On-Demand exclusive for Passport members, American Masters – Charley Pride: I’m Just Me, Ken Burns’ Country Music, Episode 5: The Sons and Daughters of America (1964-1968), and GRAMMY SALUTE TO MUSIC LEGENDS™ are available on PBS.com and the PBS Video app.

Charley Pride, whose rich baritone voice and impeccable song-sense altered American culture, died Saturday, December 12, 2020, in Dallas, Texas of complications from Covid-19 at age 86.

Born a sharecropper’s son in Sledge, Mississippi, on March 18, 1934, Pride emerged from Southern cotton fields to become country music’s first Black superstar and the first Black member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

“No person of color had ever done what he has done,” said Darius Rucker in the PBS American Masters film Charley Pride: I’m Just Me.

The Grand Ole Opry® presented by Humana® is set to celebrate its 93rd birthday with an annual Birthday Bash and a special birthday concert by Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame member Charley Pride at 3 PM Sat., Oct. 13 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN. The Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient made his Opry debut in 1967, charted 36 No. 1 singles, sold over 70 million records, and this year marks his 25th Anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member.

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