The Great Charlie Pride - please read

Mark Metdker · Post by **Mark Metdker** » 8 Jul 2004 4:56 am

I know that Charlie is not a steel player, but he has allowed some of the great steel players to play with, and for him. Back when country music was great, there was no better singer and performer. Here is Charlie's bio. If anyone has any Charlie Pride stories, please post.

Born to poor sharecroppers, one of eleven children in Sledge, Mississippi, Pride is a timeless everyman, revered by his musical peers and adored by countless millions of fans around the globe. His golden baritone voice has transcended race and spanned the generations.

Charley Pride unofficially started his music career in the late 1950s as a ballplayer with the Negro American League’s Memphis Red Sox singing and playing guitar on the team bus between ballparks. Self-taught on a guitar bought at the age 14 from Sears Roebuck, Pride would join various bands' onstage as he and the team roved the country.

After a tryout with the New York Mets, Pride decided to return to his Montana home via Nashville. It was there he met Jack Johnson, who upon hearing the singer perform, sent him on his way with the promise of a management contract and a newly forged relationship that would last for over a decade.

A year later, Pride returned to the Music City and was introduced to producer, Jack Clement, who gave him several songs to learn. When Clement heard Pride’s renditions, he immediately asked the fledgling singer if he could cut two songs in two hours. Pride agreed, and “The Snakes Crawl at Night” and “Atlantic Coastal Line” were recorded.

Three months later, Pride’s two song demo landed in the hands of already legendary RCA Records head, Chet Atkins, who was so moved he immediately signed him to the label. Pride’s first single hit the airwaves in January 1966 and just like that his star was on the rise. Within a short period of time “The Snakes Crawl at Night” was climbing the charts with his “Before I Met You” closing in on its tail.

Charley Pride has always set his own goals. One of those goals was to become an internationally known artist. He achieved this by performing, in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Fiji as well as the provinces of Canada. Charley still tours these countries today and even takes in a few extra countries, on USO Tours, entertaining our service men and women who are stationed overseas.

Between 1969, when he first hit #1 on the singles chart with "All I Have to Offer You (Is Me)" and 1984, when he commanded the top spot again with "Every Heart Should Have One," Pride scored more than 36 number one country singles.

Over the past thirty years, Pride has remained one of the Top 20 best-selling country artists of all-time. His incredible legacy includes 36 #1 hit singles, over 70 million albums sold, 31 gold and 4 platinum albums - including one quadruple platinum. On RCA Records, Charley Pride is second in sales only to Elvis Presley.

Dozens of Pride's chart toppers now stand as modern classics. "Kiss An Angel Good Morning" went on to be a million-selling crossover single and helped Pride land Country Music Association Awards as Entertainer of the Year in 1971 and Top Male Vocalist in 1971 and 1972.

Other memorable Pride standards include "Is Anybody Goin' To San Antone?" "I'm So Afraid of Losing You Again," "Mississippi Cotton Picking Delta Town," "Someone Loves You Honey," "When I Stop Leaving I'll be gone," "Burgers and Fries," and "You're So Good When You're Bad," to name but a few. His moving performances of Hank Williams classics "Kaw-Liga" and "Honky Tonk Blues" on his number 1 album, "There's a Little Bit of Hank in Me", was also certified Gold.

In 1994, Charley released his autobiography, Pride: The Charley Pride Story (published by William Morrow). Aside from detailing great moments of his amazing career and journeyman stint as a ballplayer, Pride: is an often moving, sometimes hilarious tale of his almost improbable dream come true and journey to the top of the charts.

In his own words, Charley recalls his hardscrabble childhood, his enduring marriage, the thrill of his biggest hit - a double into the outfield gap off Hall of Famer Warren Spahn - and his first singing engagement in a Montana bar that eventually led to a career as the first and only African-American superstar in country music. Through it all, we are reminded that "The Pride of Country Music" remains one of the great legends in popular music - and that he is still going strong.

On May 1, 1993, Pride accepted a long-standing invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry, 26 years after he first played there as a guest, the first African-American in its over 70 year history.

In June 1994, Pride was honored by the Academy Of Country Music with its prestigious Pioneer Award.

In January 1996, Charley Pride was honored with a Trumpet Award by Turner Broadcasting, marking outstanding African-American Achievement. In between, his "Roll On Mississippi" was considered as the official song of his home state, a stretch of Mississippi highway was named for him, and he headlined a special Christmas performance for President and Mrs. Clinton at the White House.

In July 1999, Charley received his very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

On October 4, 2000, Charley was honored with the highest country music award, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Charley wept when his name was announced by Hall of Famer, Brenda Lee.

And just in case music should leave his blood, Pride continues to work out annually with baseball's Texas Rangers. When not touring extensively world wide or recording music, Pride can often be found pursuing another love, one at which he also excels - golf.

Charley Pride met the love of his life, Rozene, while playing baseball in Memphis. They have raised two sons, Kraig and Dion, as well as a daughter, Angela. They also enjoy their grandsons, Carlton and Malachi in Dallas, Texas, where their family resides.

Dave Van Allen · Post by **Dave Van Allen** » 8 Jul 2004 6:24 am

Pride accepted a long-standing invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry, 26 years after he first played there as a guest, the first African-American in its over 70 year history.

from the website http://www.africana.com/research/blackfacts/bl_fact_180.asp , an article on Charlie Pride:
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>
DeFord Bailey was the first black star on Grand Ole Opry, playing the harmonica, banjo and guitar from 1926 to 1941. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Mark Metdker · Post by **Mark Metdker** » 8 Jul 2004 6:35 am

Which steel players did Charlie use the most?
Yesterday I heard his great song "All I have to offer you is me". It has some excellent steel work in it, as does most of his older tunes.

Pride had 36 number one singles.[This message was edited by Mark Metdker on 08 July 2004 at 07:36 AM.]

Larry King · Post by **Larry King** » 8 Jul 2004 7:29 am

A few were Lloyd Green on his Panther Hall album, the fabulous steel player and entertainer Joe Wright was with Charlie....you owe to yourself to see Joe..his show combines excellent playing and roll in the floor comedy, and Ronnie Miller has/does work (ed) with Charlie.

c c johnson · Post by **c c johnson** » 8 Jul 2004 7:55 am

Iam glad Deford Bailey was not forgotten. JMHO, Charlies best # was "Gone on the Other Hand with Big Joe Talbot on the electric hawaiian steel guitar". A Rick BTW. CC

Walter Stettner · Post by **Walter Stettner** » 8 Jul 2004 8:52 am

Mark, if you mention the older Charley Pride records, it is mostly Lloyd Green providing the awesome steel playing!

Between 1966 ("The Snakes Crawl At Night") and 1974 ("We Could", #3 in Billboard) Lloyd Green played on all the major hits Charley Pride had (and of course on most of his albums!), with one exception ("Kiss An Angel Good Morning", which had Gene O'Neal playing). Lloyd also played on the famous Panther Hall album, one of the all-time great live albums.

Kind Regards, Walter
www.austriansteelguitar.at.tf

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[This message was edited by Walter Stettner on 08 July 2004 at 09:53 AM.]

C Dixon · Post by **C Dixon** » 8 Jul 2004 8:55 am

Oh my goodness.

The steeler that helped put Charlie on the map was Gene O'Neal. Gene was the only steeler that Col Tom Parker asked that would play with Charlie at the time. One must remember that "a white boy traveling and staying in hotels" with a black person, could get one killed in those days.

Gene was with him during all that classic rise to fame in the beginning. Because Gene said he would "travel" with Charlie, Charlie made Gene a promise. And he kept it. Gene was paid a 52 week yearly salary EVEN when Charlies was doing his thing with his baseball career. Which was sometimes as long as half a year and even longer in one case.

It was not uncommon for Gene to be off joyfully fishin' while many steel players were starving lookun for work.

Lloyd Green did do the Panther hall classis album. After Gene, the most notable road steeler was of course Joe Wright. And they do not come any better than him. It is rare when the new kid on the block can fill the shoes of a great. But Joe took to it like a fish takes to water and never looked back. I don't imagine Charlie did either.

But the one that was there when it "happened" was Gene O'Neal. Charlie probably owes (whether he realizes it or not) as much to Gene O'Neal as anyone on earth.

If any of you wish to know what Charlie said to me in person in Miami, the night Gene O'Neal introduced him to me, I will be glad to email you the exact quote. Note: I would be banned from this universe in today's politcally correct world, if I quoted it on this forum

May Jesus rest his soul,

carl

C Dixon · Post by **C Dixon** » 8 Jul 2004 9:25 am

I will share with you precious folks one of Charlie's favorite "tales" when he appears in person. This one hopefully will not get me banned.

Note I am paraphrasing, since I do not remember it word for word.

"One night when I was just trying to make it as a country singer, in a New York dinner lounge, I was singing away when an elderly Jewish man and his wife strolled in. Then this man looked at me.

Then he looked even harder. Then he took his glasses out of his pocket and looked even harder. As he sat down at the table the Matre' D led them to, he took his handkerchief out of his lapel pocket and wiped his glasses and never took his eyes off of me.

During their dinner, everytime I looked he was staring at me.

Finally, the elderly man got up, walked up to me, took his glasses off, looked me right square in the eyes, and said,

HOW come you don't look and sound like yur suppose to?"

Whenever Charlie tells that story (usually near the beginning of his personal appearance shows), the audience goes wild. Some almost fall over. Then Charlie proceeds to tell a few more "homespun and self criticial puns" and from that moment own, he has that audience as far back in his hands as any entertainer ever.

It is priceless. Charlie says things one is NOT suppose to say. Or at least he did during his classic rise to fame. I am not sure anymore. But at the time and places he said those things, it was at the same time, often a "bombshell" and an unforgettably funny experience.

May Jesus continue to nurture Charlie's dry and incredibly unique wit; and may he bless all of you,

carl

Mark Metdker · Post by **Mark Metdker** » 8 Jul 2004 10:12 am

Thanks Carl. Great information on one of country musics greatest treasures.
I live in the Dallas area along with Charlie and I have heard this story for years, and I believe it to be true.

After Charlie hit it big, he bought a BIG house in fashionable north Dallas. He was outside on a riding lawn mower, cutting the grass along with one of his sons. Before he was finished mowing, one of his neighbors (whom he had not yet met) comes walking over to Charlie. She said "Can you please come mow my yard after you're done here. I'm having a big neighborhood party tonight and my man that normally does the lawn is sick and can't do it." Charlie just smiled and said "Yes ma'am, I'll get right to it." So when he is done with his own yard,Charlie goes over and cuts the ladies lawn. Meanwhile her husband drives up the driveway and asks "Honey, why is Charlie Pride mowing our yard?" She says "Honey, Charlie Pride is a country singer, that is a yardman." So, the husband goes out and apologizes to Charlie for the mix up. Charlie of course takes it all in stride like the class act he has always been. Then when the wife sees him at their party later that night she realizes her mistake. Very funny story, i thought.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 9 Jul 2004 1:13 pm

DVA is right. DeFord Bailey was a regular on the Opry for some 15 years, but I don't think they ever gave him official "member" status. After he was dropped from the Opry roster (for "not learning new material"), he went to work at a shoeshine parlor in Nashville, and he was there until the late'60s, but he rarely played after he was ousted from the Opry.

Jim Hartley · Post by **Jim Hartley** » 10 Jul 2004 3:03 am

Carl,

Gene was a great friend of mine as I mentioned in another post recently. You can e:mail me at jimbob51@bellsouth.net.

Please say hello if you make it to the Saluda show, I'm always there. We'll share some Gene stories.

Thanks,

Jim

HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 10 Jul 2004 4:18 am

I don't know if Joe Wright was joking or if he was serious, but at one of his shows (can't remember if it was in Dallas last year or a video of a show) he and the drummer were laughing about getting fired by Charlie Pride. Is that true?, or is it Joe's usual comedy?

Pat Coyne · Post by **Pat Coyne** » 10 Jul 2004 8:08 am

Uhhhumm "charLEY" Pride...I hear he is real adamant about that...enjoying the posts guys!

Post by **b0b** » 10 Jul 2004 8:31 am

Beware of people who insist on spelling their names different.

-b0b-

Damir Besic · Post by **Damir Besic** » 10 Jul 2004 10:18 am

.[This message was edited by Damir Besic on 11 July 2004 at 12:13 AM.]

Ed Altrichter · Post by **Ed Altrichter** » 10 Jul 2004 10:56 am

What songs did Charlie write ? What instruments does he play ?

Gere Mullican · Post by **Gere Mullican** » 10 Jul 2004 3:10 pm

Donny, I had the pleasure of being the steel player in the Bob Williams band (Cumberland Mountaineers) in 1950-1952 and Deford made a lot of personals with us playing one room school houses and such. He was a delight to have around. He was so quiet you would not know he was around until he started playing that harmonica. Many years later I also worked for the Tenn DOT and his son was one of the maintenance guys and plays a mean bass in a jazz band.
Just wanted to pass that on.
Gere

Mark Metdker · Post by **Mark Metdker** » 10 Jul 2004 3:53 pm

"What songs did Charlie write ? What instruments does he play ? "

I understand your question Ed, and let me respond by saying this. He was not an accomplished musician to my knowledge, but did perform the type of music which was very "Steel Friendly" if you know what I mean. Therefore, we got to hear lots of great steel playing by numerous hot steelers because of Charley's music. That's what I liked about him the most.

Just my opinion.

autry andress · Post by **autry andress** » 22 Feb 2005 1:17 pm

Hey Mark:
Wouldn't it be great to see Ronnie Miller,& Charlie Pride together @ TSGA some time??

L. D. Cochran · Post by **L. D. Cochran** » 22 Feb 2005 2:52 pm

Gene was from Amarillo,Tex. I remember him,he also had a brother named Leonard,i believe,don't know what happened to him,but i think he also played steel a little,Gene was great,and a real nice fellow to boot.

Dr. Hugh Jeffreys · Post by **Dr. Hugh Jeffreys** » 22 Feb 2005 3:15 pm

About 18 months ago, we were given free tickets and invited backstage at a Casino in Tunica. We had a nice chat with Charlie and also had a photo session there and on stage after the show was over. His show was good,and I also enjoyed Ronnie Miller playing steel with his Midi Synth. Charlie told me that on that day, he visited his aunt in Memphis; I said I hope you did'nt hitch-hike---he took the joke well. ---j---

Gene H. Brown · Post by **Gene H. Brown** » 22 Feb 2005 4:40 pm

I was lucky enough to get to work with Charlie Pride three times on one nighters in Portland, Oregon at a club called Taylor's Viewpoint. This club was a huge club and seated 1000 people and when you didn't have a crowd in a place like that, it really showed. When Charlie came there the first time, he had only had one song on the charts and if memorie serves me right, it was Alantic Coastal Line, well it was a very disappointing night for everyone, cause in a place that seats 1000 people and you have a crowd of 50 payed, it looks real bad, but Charlie was a gracious man and took it in stride. This was somewhere around 1966 and 1967 he came back to work with us and this was before he carried a band with him so we (The Gibson Trio) backed him on all three nights, and the last two nights he was there , it's was standing room only. Let me tell you that he was a joy to work with, a great entertainer and a whole lot of fun to be around, I'll never forget his down to earth charm, what a guy!
Gene H. Brown[This message was edited by Gene H. Brown on 22 February 2005 at 04:46 PM.]

Michael Johnstone · Post by **Michael Johnstone** » 22 Feb 2005 6:54 pm

I had the dubious distinction of replacing Gene O'Neal in 1977.Can you imagine the dissapointment Charlie and the band must have felt having Gene one night and me the next night? Besides trying to fill his shoes,I had to fill his pants and coat as well(I was more than a tad smaller and skinnier than Gene at the time). One gig I have pictures of is on a flatbed trailor in the middle of the Houston Astrodome during a rodeo.Looking at it makes me remember slipping and sliding around on my seat in Gene's oversized baby blue polyester leisure suit. That gig only lasted a few weeks but it was one of the more memorable stints in my playing career. BTW,flying around in Charlie's rickity old airplane was not for the faint of heart and Joe Wright will concur - he and I have compared stories about that.I consumed copious amounts of Valium on those rides.
-MJ-

HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 23 Feb 2005 4:27 am

Mark Metdker · Post by **Mark Metdker** » 23 Feb 2005 6:52 am

Charley has always been a favorite of mine. The Live at Panther Hall album was a big influence on me.

I wonder if anyone has ever contacted Charley about coming and singing at the Dallas Steel show? Heck it's just down the street from where he lives. That would be very cool indeed. Maybe we could get Lloyd and Charley together and they could do all those old songs. How great would that be!

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