SiriusXM remembers country music trailblazer Charley Pride, dead at 86

SiriusXM is sad to report that Charley Pride, country music’s first Black superstar, has passed away from complications related to Covid-19. He was 86.

In honor of the late icon, the 2006 Willie’s Roadhouse (Ch. 59) Charley Pride 50 Years in Country Music special hosted by Charlie Monk features Dolly Parton, Tanya Tucker, Janie Fricke, Neal McCoy, David Bellamy of The Bellamy Brothers, and Joe Bonsall of The Oak Ridge Boys. Additionally, fans can revisit the 2017 Charley Pride Guest Bartender Special, hosted by Pride himself. Hear both specials anytime below.

Born and raised in Mississippi, Pride was a gifted young athlete who initially pursued a career in professional baseball. However, he transitioned to music and would become one of the most significant artists at RCA Records. From 1969 to 1983, the country icon scored 29 No. 1 hits, including “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’,” “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone,” and “Mountain of Love.” Pride also took home the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year award in 1971, its top male vocalist prize in 1971 and 1972, and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020.

Just last month, Pride won the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2020 CMA Awards, where he also performed “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’” with country star Jimmie Allen. Watch Allen reflect on Pride’s lasting impact during a recent conversation with SiriusXM hosts Storme Warren and MC Callahan below.