Charley Pride Special 12/12/20

In 1966, a former All-Star baseball pitcher, and current up-and coming Country Music Star stepped onto a stage in Detroit to sing his first big hit, “Just Between You & Me.”

When he was introduced, the enthusiastic crowd hooted, hollered, and cheered—but they stopped cold when they saw Charley Pride.

Why? I guess I forgot to mention that Charley was a NEGRO LEAGUE All-Star.

Charley was expecting a reception like that, and he was prepared. He quickly charmed the crowd with his wit, humor and TALENT...and before long, Charley was a COUNTRY MUSIC All-Star...with hit after hit on Billboard's Country Charts.

In 1971, he checked in with what not only became his “signature song,” but a “Great Song of the '70s.”

Of course, “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” went to #1 on the Country Charts in the US and Canada, but it also spent 4 months on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Chart, peaking at #7.

He was the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year in 1971...and later became one of only 3 black members in the history of the “Grand Ole' Opry.” He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000.

Today, he died of complications from Covid-19 at age 86.

Here's to you, Charley Pride—a country music pioneer---and a pretty good pitcher, too