#499 - Charley Pride

This is a never before released interview with Charley Pride.

Charley Pride has passed away at 86 years of age. There are only a handful of country singers of his legendary magnitude. His performances and recordings were some of the most beloved. An inductee of the Country Music Hall of Fame, he was also a Grand Ole Opry star.

Born in Sledge, Mississippi in 1934, he was the fourth child born of eleven children. He loved baseball and music. He was able to do both professionally.

As a recording artist he will forever be known for his signature song "Kiss an Angel Good Morning," he recorded and performed so many great songs. Some of them include "Mississippi Cotton Picking Delta Town," "Burgers and Fries," "Roll on Mississippi," "Never Been So Loved (In All My Life)," and so many others.

This interview was recorded just minutes before he would take the stage at Anderson Music Hall in Hiawassee, Georgia. You can hear a nearby bluegrass band rehearsing. Efforts to improve the sound quality were made. A video version of this interview is available on YouTube and on www.thepaulleslie.com

Charley Pride was a giant and an icon in country music, but it was rare to meet a star who was so genuine and warm. He was as real as they come. His authenticity shined through always and I hope you will listen to some of his exceptional recordings as a way of remembering him.

The Paul Leslie Hour is a talk show dedicated to “Helping People Tell Their Stories.” Some of the most iconic people of all time drop in to chat. Frequent topics include Arts, Entertainment and Culture.