As tributes continue to pour out in memory of country music legend Charley Pride, CMT will air a special on Pride’s career on Wednesday.
“CMT Remembers Charley Pride,” which will be shown at 8 p.m. Eastern, 7 p.m. Central, will cover three decades of his career. The special will include clips from different performances along with interviews with performers and family members.
Pride, 86, died on Saturday, Dec. 12, from COVID-19 complications.
Among those scheduled to appear either live or in footage include Darius Rucker, Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard, Tim McGraw, Shania Twain and more. His wife Rozene, son Dion, sister Maxine and his brother Joe also are scheduled to be a part of the special, too.
Charley Pride ‘Destroyed Barriers,’ Darius Rucker Says
After news of Pride’s death began to spread, Rucker shared his own thoughts about what the country music icon did for African Americans.
“My heart is so heavy,” he says. “Charley Pride was an icon a legend and any other word you want to use for his greatness. He destroyed barriers and did things that no one had ever done. But, today, I am thinking of (my) friend. Heaven just got one of the finest people I know. I miss and love you CP!”
In this video from 2016, Pride and Rucker share the stage at Rucker’s “Darius Rucker and Friends St. Jude Benefit Concert” to sing Pride’s classic hit, “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’.”
Pride Leaves Behind Legacy Of Musical Talent
Memories of great music and million-selling hit singles and records are just a part of what Charley Pride accomplished in his life.
His musical talent led to 29 No. 1 songs, numerous television appearances, and a legion of fans that go from one generation to another. Pride stayed loyal to what he termed the traditional country sound. A lot of the songs he sang had to do with love, either love gained or love lost.
It’s not surprising to see the overflow of memories from country music stars both young and old. Pride always shared his wisdom and time with those in the business. There was something to the old adage of reaching a hand back and helping those coming up to rise and succeed.
Pride did that for many years was seen as a peer and mentor by many. His legacy will be one that people can look to and see a man who went from being a total outsider to a winner.
Here is Pride singing “Standing in My Way,” which was released in 2017.
H/T: CMT.com
