Country Musician Charley Pride Passes Away At Age 86

Country Music Hall of Famer Charley Pride is dead at the age of 86 of Covid-19 complications. Pride was one of few successful black country musicians when he first started out in the industry. He was also the first black musician to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. Some of Pride’s hits were Just Between You and Me, All I Have to Offer, Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone and Kiss An Angel Good Morning. Pride also played on a few baseball teams in the Negro American League.

Pride’s final performance came a month ago when he performed at the Country Music Association Awards. He was born in Sledge, Mississippi in 1934 and became one of the few Black men to become a superstar in country music. He was named CMA’s Entertainer of the Year in 1971. He was also named the industry’s top male vocalist in 1971 and 1972. He was given a Lifetime Achievement Award this year. Pride had 52 top ten country hits and won several Grammys.