Charley Pride — country music's first Black superstar — has died. The artist died on Saturday (December 12) as a result of COVID-19 complications. He was 86.
The Country Music Hall of Fame member gave his last-ever performance at the the Country Music Association Awards back in November, when Pride received the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. At the time, the awards show has heavily criticized for holding an in-person gala indoors and without masks.
Born in Sledge, MS, on March 18, 1934. Pride began his music career in the mid-'60s, with his biggest commercial success taking place in the '70s. At his peak, Pride raked in 52 Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart — with 30 of those making it to No. 1.
Among Pride's many hits were songs like "Kiss an Angel Good Morning," "Is Anybody Goin' to San Antone," "Burgers and Fries," "Mountain of Love" and "Someone Loves You Honey."
Pride won three Grammy Awards, won the Country Music Association's Top Male Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year awards in 1972 and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000.
Among the many tributes pouring in for Pride was one from Dolly Parton, who wrote,"I'm so heartbroken that one of my dearest and oldest friends, Charley Pride, has passed away. It's even worse to know that he passed away from COVID-19. What a horrible, horrible virus. Charley, we will always love you."
The Country Music Hall of Fame member gave his last-ever performance at the the Country Music Association Awards back in November, when Pride received the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. At the time, the awards show has heavily criticized for holding an in-person gala indoors and without masks.
Born in Sledge, MS, on March 18, 1934. Pride began his music career in the mid-'60s, with his biggest commercial success taking place in the '70s. At his peak, Pride raked in 52 Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart — with 30 of those making it to No. 1.
Among Pride's many hits were songs like "Kiss an Angel Good Morning," "Is Anybody Goin' to San Antone," "Burgers and Fries," "Mountain of Love" and "Someone Loves You Honey."
Pride won three Grammy Awards, won the Country Music Association's Top Male Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year awards in 1972 and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000.
Among the many tributes pouring in for Pride was one from Dolly Parton, who wrote,"I'm so heartbroken that one of my dearest and oldest friends, Charley Pride, has passed away. It's even worse to know that he passed away from COVID-19. What a horrible, horrible virus. Charley, we will always love you."
