This Day in History: Country music trailblazer Charley Pride died 5 years ago

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Country music lost a trailblazer five years ago today when Charley Pride, the first Black star in country music, died at age 86.

Pride broke barriers in the 1960s and ’70s, becoming RCA Records’ best-selling artist since Elvis Presley.

FILE - In this June 8, 2018 file photo, Charley Pride performs at the 2018 CMA Music Festival in Nashville, Tenn. Pride still wants Terrence Howard to play him in a movie of the country music star's life. Pride finds himself in the spotlight with two upcoming PBS projects: "Country Music," Ken Burns' film on the genre's evolution and the people who created it, and "Charley Pride: I'm Just Me," airing as part of the American Masters series on Feb. 22, 2019.(Laura Roberts | Laura Roberts/Invision/AP)

With hits like “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” and three Grammy Awards, he helped open the door for future generations of Black country artists.

Pride passed away in Dallas on Dec. 12, 2020, from complications of COVID-19, leaving behind a legacy that changed country music forever.

Country music legend talks about his Memphis roots

Click here to sign up for our newsletter!

Click here to report a spelling or grammar error. Please include the headline.

Copyright 2025 WMC. All rights reserved.

Most Read

Mother of convicted rapist who was mistakenly released from jail speaks from hospital after chaotic re-arrest

Ex-Shelby County deputy fired for having sex with clerk in courtroom

High school football coach facing charges for allegedly hitting and choking players

FDA to add most serious warning to COVID-19 vaccines

Mayor: Driver arrested after pedestrian killed in racing crash

4 people indicted on SNAP, welfare fraud charges in DeSoto Co., DA says

14-year-old goes missing, never came home from school, police say

Two women and a service dog killed in machete attack, police say

Latest News

US Mint unveils new coin designs to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary

Memphis church grills stolen, returned after social media plea

Downtown Memphis’ Cobblestone Landing reopens after renovations

Black farmers group opts out of President Trump’s $12 billion aid program

Hispanic, Latino community demand Shelby Co. sheriff stop collaboration with ICE

Power shutoff forces 80 families from Whitehaven Travelodge

Memphis police continue fallen officer’s Christmas tradition for local kids

Santa visits KIPP Collegiate Elementary with gifts for students