Black Country Music History: 7 Artists You Need To Know - Page 3
3. Charley Pride
Source: Getty
Charley Pride is widely regarded as the most successful Black country artist in history. His groundbreaking career, which spanned over five decades, broke down racial barriers and cemented his place as one of the genre’s most celebrated and influential figures.
Born in 1938 in Sledge, Mississippi, Pride grew up surrounded by the sounds of blues, gospel, and country music. His father, unknowingly fostering his son’s passion for country, often tuned the family’s Philco radio to Nashville’s WSM-AM to catch the Grand Ole Opry broadcasts, according to the music legend’s website. At the age of 14, Charley purchased his first guitar, a Silvertone from the Sears Roebuck catalog, and taught himself how to play by listening to the songs on the radio.
However, his path to music was delayed by his promising baseball career. By the age of 16, Charley had gained recognition as a talented player, starting with the Iowa State League before advancing to the Negro American League, where he played as both a pitcher and outfielder for the Memphis Red Sox. In 1953, Pride signed with the Boise Yankees, a Class C farm team for the New York Yankees. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury sidelined his pitching career, leading to his eventual release after stints with lower-level teams in Wisconsin.
Despite the setback in baseball, Pride remained determined to pursue music. In 1958, he made his first attempt at a music career by recording a demo at Sun Studio in Memphis. Armed with his guitar, he recorded the song “There’s My Baby (Walkin’)”—a reworking of the 1957 pop hit “The Stroll” by The Diamonds.
Pride eventually found his true calling in country music during the 1960s. His smooth baritone voice and ability to blend traditional country sounds with his own style made him an instant hit, with songs like “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” and “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone?” becoming massive successes. Pride’s contributions to country music made him a household name and helped open doors for other Black artists in the genre.
In 2000, Charley Pride became the first African American artist to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, a testament to his lasting impact on the genre. His groundbreaking career not only shattered racial boundaries but also helped shape the sound of country music for generations to come, solidifying his place as an icon in the industry.
