On Rick's Retro Rack today is a look back at a country legend Charley Pride. He grew up one of 11 children in Sledge, Mississippi. During his career he would top the Billboard country singles chart 29 times.

 

Pride played baseball with the Memphis Red Sox in the Negro American League. In between games and on the bus traveling to the next game he would sing and play the guitar.

On a trip to Nashville, Pride met up with producer Jack Clement. It resulted in a contract with RCA Records. The public didn't know that the guy they heard on the radio was a black until an appearance in Detroit. But the music won out and he was mobbed by those wanting an autograph.

This week in 1971 his song "Kiss An Angel Good Morning" went to number one.

Pride won the CMA's entertainer of the year and male vocalist awards in 1971 and male vocalist again in 1972, becoming the first artist to win the male vocalist award back to back.

The Grand Ole Opry made him a member in 1993, he received the ACM's Pioneer award in 1994 and finally in 2000 Charley Pride was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Now there is a movie being made about his life and career.  Believe it or not , Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who was with the WWE, will portray Charley Pride.

 

More From Lonestar 99-5 FM