Charley Pride. Photo: Ben De Rienzo
CMT will host CMT Giants: Charley Pride, an all-new special celebrating the life and legacy of trailblazing country music artist Charley Pride. The star-studded, 90-minute event premieres Wednesday, Aug. 25 at 8 p.m. CST on CMT.
CMT Giants: Charley Pride will bring together some of the biggest names in music today, including Alan Jackson, Darius Rucker, son Dion Pride, Garth Brooks, George Strait, Gladys Knight, Jimmie Allen, Lee Ann Womack, Luke Combs, Robert Randolph, Reyna Roberts, Mickey Guyton, and Wynonna. Special guests, such as Neal McCoy, Nolan Ryan, Reba, Ronnie Milsap, and Charley’s wife Rozene Pride, will also make an appearance to share their personal memories and reflect on Pride’s lasting legacy. Also on display will be a collection of rare archival photos, interviews, and performances, with clips and commentary from Pride himself.
“It’s an incredibly great honor to celebrate Charley Pride’s career from the perspective of those who knew him best – his friends, family, and peers,” says Margaret Comeaux, executive producer, CMT. “As a true ‘giant’ in country music, Charley serves as an inspiration for present and future artists, and his legendary career transcends barriers with music that stands the test of time.”
“I am delighted to have so many giants in the business celebrate the legacy of Pride. He would have been so happy to see the artists give so generously of their time and talent honoring him. This truly is a testament to the impact that he had on the country music community for so many years,” shares Rozene.
Charley Pride celebrated more than 50 years as a recording artist, enjoying one of the most successful careers in the history of country music, and is credited with helping to break color barriers by becoming the first black superstar within the genre. Selling tens of millions of records worldwide with his large repertoire of hits, Pride is a three-time Grammy award and Recording Academy “Lifetime Achievement Award” winner, and garnered no less than 36 chart-topping country hits, including “Kiss An Angel Good Morning.” On December 12, 2020, Pride died at the age of 86 from complications due to COVID-19. His memory and storied legacy will live on through his vast library of stories and songs, with forthcoming plans for a final album release, public celebration of life ceremony, tribute concert, and biopic film.
Launched in 2006, the CMT Giants franchise celebrates the careers of country music’s most legendary artists, including Reba McEntire (2006), Hank Williams, Jr. (2007), Alan Jackson (2008), and Kenny Rogers (2020).
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