Charley Pride Passes Away At 86

Pride died Saturday after complications with COVID-19.

Charley Pride. Shutterstock photo. 

Country Music Hall of Famer Charley Pride has died. 

Pride passed away Saturday at the age of 86. The cause of death was complications from COVID-19. 

The Mississippi-native became country music's first Black superstar in the 1960's and went on to have a Hall of Fame career. He had 52 top-10 hits, 30 of which went to number one. Some of his most well-known songs include "All I Have to Offer You (Is Me)", (I'm So) Afraid of Losing You Again", I Can't Believe That You've Stopped Loving Me", "I'd Rather Love You", "Is Anybody Goin' To San Antone", "Wonder Could I Live There Anymore", "I'm Just Me", and "Kiss an Angel Good Mornin". 

Pride was inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000. He was also invited to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1993. To date, he is one of three African-Americans to hold that distinction. 

While Pride made his name is music, his talents stretched far behind. From 1952 to 1690, Pride played professional baseball in the Negro League and Minor League, including a three-game stint with the Missoula Timberjacks, a farm team for the Cincinnati Reds. He was a two-time Negro League All-Star as a pitcher. 

His love for baseball extended past his playing days as he was a part owner of the Texas Rangers.

Pride received the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the 54th Country Music Association Awards in 2020. The awards ceremony was his last public appearance before his death. 

Rest In peace, Charley Frank Pride, 1934-2020. In the 1960s, he became country music’s first Black superstar, with songs that captivated audiences, broke racial and cultural barriers, and led him to a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame. https://t.co/xGbDLcvcB5

— Country Music HOF (@countrymusichof) December 12, 2020

 

My heart is so heavy. Charley Pride was an icon a legend and any other word u wanna use for his greatness. He destroyed Barriers and did things that no one had ever done. But today I’m thinking of my friend. Heaven just got one of the finest people I know. I miss and love u CP!

— Darius Rucker (@dariusrucker) December 13, 2020

Today, we mourn the loss of Charley Pride and express our deepest sympathies to Mr. Pride’s family and friends on this sad day. pic.twitter.com/SbGXtLft26

— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) December 12, 2020