A bronze statue of country music legend Charley Pride will be unveiled outside the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN as a tribute to his legacy. The memorial will be displayed on the Ryman’s Icon Walk, alongside statues of other classic country musicians including Loretta Lynn, Bill Monroe, and Little Jimmy Dickens. The unveiling ceremony was originally slated to take place on Wednesday, March 29 at 2:30 pm, but has since been postponed to Wednesday, April 12 at 2:30pm. The event is open to the public.
Charley Pride was a country music singer, guitarist, and songwriter who achieved great success in the 1960s and 1970s. He was one of the first African American artists to make a name for himself in the country music scene, creating a pathway for people of color in the industry. He became known for hits such as “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin‘” and “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone.” Pride was born on March 18, 1934, in Sledge, Mississippi, and he passed away in 2020, due to complications from COVID-19.
Despite facing racial barriers in the industry, Pride became one of the most successful country musicians of his time, with over 50 top-10 hits on the country charts. He was also the first black performer to appear at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and to win the CMA Entertainer of the Year award. His legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians.
