Country-musiikin ensimmäiseksi mustaksi supertähdeksi tituleerattu Charley Pride on kuollut. Pride tiedottaja vahvistaa tähden menehtyneen 12. joulukuuta Dallasissa, Texasissa koronaviruksen aiheuttamiin komplikaatioihin.
Vuonna 1934 Sledgessä, Mississippissä syntynyt Pride muutti vuonna 1963 Nashvilleen tavoitellakseen uraa musiikin parissa. Tässä muusikko onnistuikin lopulta paremmin kuin hyvin, luoden muun muassa Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’– ja Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone -hitit ja pokaten uransa varrella kaikkiaan kolme Grammy-palkintoa.
Pride nimettiin Country Music Hall of Fameen vuonna 2000.
Uutinen on herättänyt suurta surua Priden kollegoissa. Alla muutamia sosiaalisessa mediassa julkaistuja muisteluita ja kunnianosoituksia.
https://twitter.com/billyraycyrus/status/1337875079179493378
Just learning of the passing of another one of our legends in Country Music. I can’t imagine what this man went through as a Black Country Music artist trying to break into this business, but what a career he had. RIP Mr. Charley Pride. pic.twitter.com/noOQJzgaMm
— Jason Aldean (@Jason_Aldean) December 12, 2020
I had the pleasure of meeting Charley Pride when I was playing the @opry. I was in awe of his presence and his talent. So saddened by the news of his passing. He was a true legend and trailblazer. His impact on our genre and generations of artists will never be forgotten. Rip
— Luke Combs 🎤 (@lukecombs) December 12, 2020
Heartbroken to hear about Charley Pride. We just watched you on the CMA Awards. You have touched so many lives, and your music will continue to do just that. #CharleyPride pic.twitter.com/8zkUPcv5j3
— chevy (@officialchevel) December 12, 2020
Charley Pride will always be a legend in Country music. He will truly be missed but will always be remembered for his great music, wonderful personality and his big heart. My thoughts are with his wife Rozene and their family. RIP, Charley. pic.twitter.com/2IYFfx4kLo
— Reba McEntire (@reba) December 12, 2020
I’m so heartbroken that one of my dearest and oldest friends, Charley Pride, has passed away. It’s even worse to know that he passed away from COVID-19. What a horrible, horrible virus. Charley, we will always love you. (1/2)
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) December 12, 2020