Pioneering Black Country Singer, Charley Frank Pride passes away at the age of 86 in Dallas, Texas on Saturday. His publicist said,” he was suffering from the Covid-19, and last night, he took his last breath. The singer was well known for his hit songs and albums. “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin”, ” Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone”,” All I Have to Offer You Is Me”,” Just Between You and Me” these all was some of the hits songs and albums of Pride. He first took great success in the early to mid-1970s, when he became the best-selling performer of RCA Records. During the time period of 1966 to 1987, he gave 52 top-10 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. He was also known as a Baseball player and has worked in military services.
Charley was born on the 18th March 1934 in Sledge, Mississippi, it is the fourth of eleven children of poor sharecroppers. His father gave him the name Charl Frank Pride, but having an error on his birth certificate he got his legal name is Charley Frank Pride. There are 11 siblings in his family, seven boys, and three girls. Mack Pride was an elder brother of him.
Career:
When Charley was 14 years old, his mother gave his first guitar and then, he taught by himself. His first dream was to become a professional baseball player in his life. In 1952, he propel for the Memphis red Sox of the Negro American League. Then, in 1953, he signed a contract with Boise Yankee, the Class C farm team of New York Yankees. He injured in that season and he was sent to the Yankees Class D team in Fond Du, Lac Wisconsin. He gave his piece of life in the baseball game but, unfortunately, his life took a new turn and he became a singer.
When he was playing as a baseball player, Charley had been heartened through the music industry country stars such as Red Foley and Red Sovine, and then, he was working towards his career. In 1958, he came to Sun Studios and recorded some songs. He has also performed in night clubs. Pride was honored by some achievements like:
- Pioneer Awards, 1994
- Favorite Country Album, 1973
- Favorite Country Make Artist, 1973
- Favorite Country Male Artist, 1976
- Master Award, 2016
- Entertainer of the Year, 1971
- Male Vocalist of the Year, 1971
- Male Vocalist of the Year, 1972
- Lifetime Achievement Award, 2020
Charlie has got Grammy Awards in his life for his hits songs:
- “Did You Think to Pray”- 1971 Best Sacred Performance (Musical)
- “Let Me Live”- 1971 Best Gospel Performance (other than soul gospel)
- Charley Pride Sings Heart Songs- 1972 Best Country Vocal Performance, Male
- 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award
- The merit of Distinction Award in the Performing Arts, 1996
Personal Life:
Charley knew his wife Rozen first time while playing baseball in Memphis. They married in 1956 when Charley came from the Army Basic Training. The couple had two sons, named Dion and Kraig, and a daughter named Angela. They all lived together in Dallas, Texas. They also had five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren in his home.
Pride was a part and fan of the Texas Rangers. He died in Dallas, Texas in his residence on December 12, 2020, due to complications of Covid-19.
He was a great man and also a great singer. He earned many fans in his life and made everyone’s life moments precious from his hits songs. Pride will be remembered by his loved ones. God Bless his soul.
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