Jimmie Allen is deeply bothered by the lack of fellow country artists speaking out after the death of legendary “trailblazer” Charley Pride.
Country fans and artists the world over continue to suffer a huge loss after the passing of Charley Pride this weekend. Among many incredible achievements, Pride will forever be remembered as the first African-American musician to fully make it in country music.
As such, modern country artist Jimmie Allen pulled constant inspiration from Pride. The two even performed together at The 54th Annual CMA Awards, hosted by Reba McEntire and Darius Rucker just a few short months ago. Pride was 86 at the time of his passing from COVID-19 complications.
Now, soon after their time together and Pride’s passing, Allen is taking to Twitter to call out his peers that have not paid respects to the country icon.
“What’s bothering me is, I’ve seen so many country artists make posts about other country artists and legends we have lost the last few years,” Allen starts off in his post. “But some of them have said NOTHING about the legend, trailblazer, Opry member, ACM, CMA, Grammy winner, Country Hall of Fame icon, Charley Pride.”
Country Stars, Fans Continue to Mourn Charley Pride
While many fellow icons, such as Blake Shelton and Dolly Parton have expressed their love and final respects for Pride, others have yet to step up.
Most notably, though, Darius Rucker did lament Pride’s passing. “My heart is so heavy,” Rucker tweets upon hearing of his death. “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,” Rucker finished.
Those who showed Charley Pride love aside, it is those who continue to fail to do so that have Jimmie Allen upset. As for Allen himself, the young country star recorded an 18-minute-long video dedication to the “trailblazer” and “legend”. Within, Allen credits his own music career and success to Pride, a personal hero.
“There was finally someone that looked like me in every genre that I knew about,” Allen says of Pride in his tribute.
Moreover, fellow 54th Annual CMA Awards attendee and performer Maren Morris says “we should all be outraged” if their in-person event led to Charley Pride’s death from COVID-19. Since her outspoken statement, CMA sent out a statement clarifying that “all protocols” were properly in place. They note, in addition, that Pride had tested negative for the virus before his performance like all others in attendance.
[H/T PopCulture]
