Date of Birth: March 18, 1934
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Date of Death: December 12, 2020
Biography
Charley Frank Pride was an American singer, musician, and former professional baseball player. He was born on March 18, 1934, in Sledge, Mississippi. Pride was one of the few black country musicians to have significant success in the largely white country music industry and was considered a trailblazer in the genre. His rich baritone voice and unique sound helped him achieve remarkable success during his career. Growing up in a poor farming family, Pride developed a love for music at an early age. However, his initial ambitions were in baseball, and he played in the Negro American League, even trying out for Major League Baseball teams. Despite his passion and talent in sports, music eventually became his primary focus. Pride moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he was discovered by country stars Red Sovine and Red Foley. His breakthrough came with the single “Just Between You and Me” in 1967, which earned him his first Grammy nomination. Over his career, Charley Pride had 52 Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, including “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’,” which became his signature song. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000 and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. Pride’s legacy goes beyond his music, as he paved the way for future generations of black artists in the country music industry.
5 Interesting Facts about Charley Pride
1. Charley Pride was one of the first black members of the Grand Ole Opry.
2. Before his music career took off, Pride served in the U.S. Army.
3. Pride was a part-owner of the Texas Rangers baseball team.
4. He won three Grammy Awards and received a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy.
5. Pride was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2020.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Charley Pride
1. “I think what my career did was show that it’s possible to be accepted for who you are, no matter where you come from.”
2. “Music is a way to communicate and share what’s in your heart and soul.”
3. “I’ve always tried to stay true to myself and my music.”
4. “I just wanted to be a good singer, and I never thought about being a pioneer.”
5. “My life’s been a blessing, and I can’t complain about a thing.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Charley Pride’s net worth was estimated to be around $40 million.
Children
Charley Pride had three children with his wife, Rozene Cohran: two sons, Carlton and Charles Jr., and a daughter, Angela.
Relevant Links
1. [Charley Pride Official Website](https://www.charleypride.com/
3. [Charley Pride’s Grammy Awards Profile](https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/charley-pride
4. [Biography on AllMusic](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/charley-pride-mn0000165818/biography
5. [Charley Pride’s Baseball Career](https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/charley-pride/
