Country Music Hall Of Fame member Charley Pride has died aged 86 after battling coronavirus.
The pioneering country singer, known for such hits as Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’ and Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone, passed away in Dallas, Texas, on Saturday from complications related to Covid-19, his publicist has confirmed.
Pride’s debut single, The Snakes Crawl at Night, failed to chart, but his debut album, Country, reached the Top 20.
He picked up several awards across his career such as the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year award, top male vocalist prize and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020.
Country Music Hall of Famer Charley Pride has died at age 86 of COVID-19 complications
Charley was born in Sledge, Mississippi, in 1934, before he moved to Nashville and became the country music’s first black superstar.
During his career, he saw much success including scoring 52 Top 10 country hits.
He also had 29 Number One hits which are still listened to by folk to this day.
In 1993 the star became an Opry member
Charley was also the first African-American performer to appear on the Grand Ole Opry stage since Deford Bailey made his debut in the 1920s.
Then in 1993 he became an Opry member. Seven years later in 2000, he was featured into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Celebs and fans have also rushed to Twitter to share their respect and condolences.
Dolly Parton tweeted: “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.”
Sarah Rodman tweeted: “It was beyond an honor to interview #CharleyPride last year.
“As an artist he was a legend. As a Black man in country he was a trailblazer, inspiration & hero. He could not have been more humble & lovely.
“Watch his American Masters to see his amazing tale.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
