Who Is Charley Pride? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Charley Pride was born on March 18, 1934, in Sledge, Mississippi. Sadly, he passed away on December 12, 2020, but his impact on country music continues to resonate. Known for his rich baritone voice and trailblazing role as a Black artist in a predominantly white genre, Pride became one of the first African Americans to gain fame in country music. His remarkable journey from a sharecropper's son to a country music icon is detailed on his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Baseball Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 18, 1934 |
| Age | 86 Years |
| Birth Place | Sledge, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 12 December, 2020 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Charley Pride's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Charley Pride stood at approximately 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall. His weight fluctuated throughout his life, but in his prime, he maintained a solid and healthy physique. Unfortunately, specific measurements of his body stats are not publicly documented.
Pride pitched for several other minor league teams, his hopes of making it to the big leagues still alive, but was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1956. After basic training, he was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, where he was a quartermaster and played on the Fort's baseball team. That team won the All Army Sports Championship.
When discharged in 1958, he rejoined the Memphis Red Sox. He tried to return to baseball, though hindered by an injury to his throwing arm.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Charley Pride was married to his longtime partner, Rozene Pride, since 1956. Together, they had three children: Angela, Charles, and Kimberley. Throughout his life, Pride shared anecdotes about his family, which were often reflected in his music. Despite his fame, he maintained a close-knit family life, and he was a devoted husband and father.
His father intended to name him Charl Frank Pride, but owing to a clerical error on his birth certificate, his legal name was Charley Frank Pride. Eight boys and three girls were in the family. His elder brother, Mack Pride, played Negro league baseball before entering the ministry.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 2020, Charley Pride's net worth was estimated to be around $40 million. His wealth came from a successful music career spanning over several decades, during which he sold millions of records and earned numerous awards, including Grammys and Country Music Association accolades. In addition to music sales, Pride's earnings also came from concert tours, merchandising, and royalties.
In May 2021, Tyler Pride contested Charley's will, asserting that he had been omitted to maintain "a Pride family secret" and "[protect] Charley's brand and legacy." In a statement to The Dallas Morning News, Rozene—the executor of Charley's will—did not dispute that Tyler was Charley's son, but said that Tyler had been given adequate compensat
ion and recognition during Charley's life, and characterized the lawsuit as a ploy for financial gain.
In September 2022, Tyler Pride said that the lawsuit had been settled for undisclosed terms.
Career, Business and Investments
Charley Pride's career began in the 1960s, and he quickly rose to prominence with hits like "Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'" and "Is Anybody Goin' to San Antone." Not only did he release over 30 studio albums, but he also broke racial barriers, becoming the first Black artist to gain widespread success in country music. His remarkable ability to cross genres made him a beloved figure.
In addition to his music career, Pride was also involved in business ventures, including golf course ownership, showcasing his diverse interests beyond music. His investments reflected his understanding of branding and the entertainment industry.
Charley Frank Pride (March 18, 1934 – December 12, 2020) was an American country singer. Beginning his career as a Negro league baseball player in the early-1950s, he later pursued a career in country music, becoming the genre's first black superstar.
The period of his greatest musical success was from around 1969 to 1975, when he was the top-selling artist for RCA Records, outselling even Elvis Presley and John Denver. During the peak years of his recording career (1966–1987), he had 52 top-10 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, 30 of which made it to number one.
Songs such as "All I Have to Offer You (Is Me)", "Is Anybody Goin' to San Antone", and "Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'", among others, typified the "countrypolitan" style that made him famous and became crossover-pop hits.
He won the Entertainer of the Year award at the Country Music Association Awards in 1971 and was awarded a Grammy for "Best Country Vocal Performance, Male" in 1972. Pride later ventured into gospel music, releasing his first gospel album Did You Think to Pray in 1971.
In 1973 he performed "The River Song" from the motion picture musical Tom Sawyer.
Social Network
Charley Pride was known to have a presence on social media during his later years, where he engaged with fans and shared updates about his music and achievements. His official social media accounts served as a platform to honor his legacy and connect with a new generation of fans.
According to a news item by the Associated Press, Pride made this comment in a 1992 interview: "They used to ask me how it feels to be the 'first colored country singer' ... Then it was 'first Negro country singer;' then 'first black country singer.' Now I'm the 'first African-American country singer.' That's about the only thing that's changed".
Education
While specific details about Charley Pride's education are limited, he attended the local schools in his hometown before embarking on a career in music. His early life experiences and understanding of the hardships faced by African Americans in the South influenced much of his songwriting.
Pride performed the national anthem before game six of the 1980 World Series. He also performed the national anthem at Super Bowl VIII and again at game five of the 2010 World Series, accompanied both years by the Del Rio High School JROTC Color Guard.
