Charley Pride, acclaimed to have become country music’s first Black superstar has passed away at 86.
The singer died on Saturday after suffering complications from COVID-19.
Although Pride is not the first black singer in country music, he became one of its biggest stars during a period of division in the US. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000 – the second African-American to become a member.
His death has also continued to garner tributes from several quarters with many taking to social media to reflect on their experiences with him during his lifetime.
Country star, Dolly Parton, who described Charley Pride as “one of my dearest and oldest friends; said she was “heartbroken” at the news of his death.
Born on March 18, 1934, Pride began his recording career in 1963. Two years later, he signed a contract with RCA Records.
In 1967, his recording of “Just Between You and Me” became a Top 10 hit on Billboard’s country music charts. Fifty-two of his songs reached the country Top 10; including the hits All I Have to Offer You (Is Me) and Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’.
In 1971, just four years after his first hit records, the singer won the Country Music Association’s entertainer of the year award, the genre’s highest honor. He won three Grammy Awards, followed by a lifetime achievement award in 2017.
