Charley Pride died today in Dallas, Texas due to complications from COVID-19.
He was 86.
Pride was considered country music’s first African American superstar, according to CMT.
An impressive pitcher, Pride initially thought he would pursue baseball as a career path, but his musical talents proved strong.
The country music legend became one of the most significant artists at RCA Records.
He snagged 29 No.1 hits between 1969 and 1983 with 67 charted singles including his very first one, “Just Between You and Me.”
Other hits included “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone,” “Afraid of Losing You Again,” and “Mountain of Love.”
He made his Grand Ole Opry debut in 1967, and won CMA Entertainer of the Year award in 1971, along with male vocalist in both 1971 and 1972.
Pride won three performance Grammys, two for gospel and one for country. He was inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000.
Just a month ago, he was honored with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. He joined Jimmie Allen on stage to perform “Kiss an Angel Good Morning.”
Many country musicians mourned the loss on social media.
"I’m so heartbroken that one of my dearest and oldest friends, Charley Pride, has passed away. It’s even worse to know that he passed away from COVID-19. What a horrible, horrible virus. Charley, we will always love you. Rest In Peace. My love and thoughts go out to his family and all of his fans," Dolly Parton wrote.
Darius Rucker wrote: "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!"
Reba McEntire shared similar sentiments.
"Charley Pride will always be a legend in Country music. He will truly be missed but will always be remembered for his great music, wonderful personality and his big heart," she wrote on Instagram. "My thoughts are with his wife Rozene and their family. RIP, Charley," she wrote.
Brad Paisley shared a photo of himself performing with Pride. "I met Charley Pride when I was 15. He gave his home phone number to my dad, and said “I’d love to help your son.” And help he did. I am so blessed to have had so many memories with him," Paisley wrote. "I’m devastated. You changed country music for the better, Charley. And you changed this kid’s life. We love you."
Kane Brown weighed in, writing: "R.I.P to a legend and icon for country music. You were a pioneer and paved the way for many artists-including me. You will always be remembered and we will always honor and keep your music alive. We love you Charley Pride."
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