The Great Charlie Pride - please read

Ken Thompson · Post by **Ken Thompson** » 23 Feb 2005 7:19 am

I feel compelled to add a story about Charlie's very early years. This story is told to me by Jim Lynn, a steel player here in Great Falls, and to my knowledge, Charlie's very first steel player. Charlie lived in Great Falls MT when he was discovered. He put together a band and was playing local clubs in Great Falls and Helena. Jim tells the story that one evening Charlie was upset with the band (I can't recall why) so he chastised the band and told them that all the people had come to hear him sing and play guitar. The band decided to let him entertain the crowd (dance crowd) by himself. Charlie soon learned that he needed the band behind him. Now remember, this was very early on. I have heard reel-to-reel tapes of Charlie playing with that band at a club in Great Falls.

Jim is still around but does not play much. He was as well known for his resemblance to Eddy Arnold as well as his voice that sounded just like Eddy.

Charlie was in town a few months ago and met up with old friends that helped him get started. Charlie actually went to the house that he used to live in and was invited in by the current owners.

We have always kind of considered Charlie as one of ours.

I recall watching him on the back of a flatbed truck in the local shopping mall singing "Snakes Crawl at Night".

Jim has many great stories about Charlie but I hate to pass them on third hand for fear I may get the facts mixed up.

Jim said that Charlie wanted him to go on the road with him but he chose to stay at home and raise a family. His story, not mine.

My 2 cents worth.
Ken

Michael Johnstone · Post by **Michael Johnstone** » 23 Feb 2005 10:24 am

Thanx Howard for posting that Astrodome gig picture for me. -MJ-

Gregg Thacker · Post by **Gregg Thacker** » 25 Feb 2005 11:08 pm

Mark, The Texas Steel Guitar Association probably couldn't pay Charley enough to play at the Jamboree but yes that would be indeed icing to the cake! Having Lloyd and Charlie play together would be every steelers dream. We can only imagine HA! See you at the Jamboree

Gregg
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If it don't have a Steel, it ain't real!

[This message was edited by Gregg Thacker on 25 February 2005 at 11:09 PM.]

Tommy Alexander · Post by **Tommy Alexander** » 26 Feb 2005 7:04 am

As to Howard R's comment about Joe Wright and the drummer being fired by Charlie Pride.
I was on the front row when Joe made the comment about being fired; I think he knew what he was talking about. Joe is a great showman and a straight up guy and he wouldn't have said that if he didn't know what he was talking about. The great CP is known by most musicians that he does not like anyone stealing his show. Joe Wright can do that and the fans love it. If you do anything on the bandstand other then play music, then you might get fired. Joe might comment on this, but he probably won't open up that can of worms. I say, "Joe Wright for President"!

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Ronnie Miller · Post by **Ronnie Miller** » 27 Feb 2005 2:55 pm

I will open up that can of worms.
Joe and Dick DID get fired by Pride, each for different reasons. I assure you that what Joe says at the shows is not the way it was.
There are FEW if any people that can "steal CharLEY's show" CP is special, with a gift few have, and those of you that have seen a Pride concert know what I mean.
Charley and Rozene are caring, generous, and gracious, and have been very good to me & my family, as well as Joe and Dick, and there family's.
This is my 13th year with CP, as I was Joe's replacement. The Band is on salary as Joe and Dick where, even though Pride has cut back to about 40 dates a year ( most of them sell outs) they did not cut our salary, they actually gave us a substantial raise. We have health insurance, retirment, and we fly NO BUS.
Prides original bass player Preston Buchanan, who passed away in 2003 was with him for 32 years, Danny Hutchins keyboard player 27 yrs. Dick and Joe, 14 and 10yrs. Humm does'nt sound like to bad a gig.
Joe does that fired by Pride routine at all of his shows, it is part of his show, and I know many people belive it to be true, and that is why I felt I needed to respond.
cya...Ronnie Miller

I might add Joe and Dick are my friends, and Dick and I share birthdays.
[This message was edited by Ronnie Miller on 27 February 2005 at 02:59 PM.]

Paul McEvoy · Post by **Paul McEvoy** » 22 Mar 2019 6:45 pm

Sorry for keep resurrecting old old threads. But just wondering if anyone definitively knows who played steel on "All I Have to Offer You Is Me"?

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 23 Mar 2019 9:52 am

Back in the 1980s I found myself playing in the support band for Charley Pride's UK tour. Joe Wright was on steel, by the way, and we thoroughly enjoyed meeting and hanging out with him.

What I wanted to say, though, was that Charley's voice was captivating! I found myself listening from the wings on almost every show. I never tired of hearing that unique timbre.

It was also my first experience of working on stage without amplifiers! Direct line - via a Rockman - to the PA; that's how Charley and his band did it and we were required to comply.

Cameron Fulp · Post by **Cameron Fulp** » 24 Mar 2019 7:03 pm

Ronnie Miller and the Pridesman that come to the TSGA jamboree always smoke it every year ! I have seen them play along with Deon Pride , Charlieâ€™s son...itâ€™s one of my highlights every year! Love Ronnie Millers CD too. If you havenâ€™t heard it do yourself a favor and look it up. He has Some great songs on there with Daryle Singleterry, Vince Gill I believe and some others. The John Hughey Tribute is my favorite! CP has always had the cream of the crop as they say .....

Brendan Mitchell · Post by **Brendan Mitchell** » 2 Apr 2019 12:39 am

Larry King wrote: 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.

Thankyou Larry
I hadnâ€™t heard of Joe Wright before . Just spent some time following him down the YouTube rabbit hole and am now a fan of his .

Darrell Criswell · Post by **Darrell Criswell** » 2 Apr 2019 4:02 am

Brendan:

You need to read Joe Wright's book on the Pedal Steel Guitar, it's phenomenal. I think you can get it as a PDF from his website. Also get his performance at the steel guitar show in Japan which is on DVD its fabulous.