Charley Pride: A Trailblazer Remembered—And a Beloved Voice in Kitchener-Waterloo’s Country Music Story
Few artists leave behind a legacy as powerful—and as deeply felt—as Charley Pride. As one of the first Black superstars in country music, Pride broke barriers, topped charts, and captured hearts across generations. But beyond the Grand Ole Opry and platinum records, he held a special place in the hearts of Canadian fans—especially in Kitchener-Waterloo, where he performed multiple times and built a loyal following that never wavered.
Born in Sledge, Mississippi in 1934, Pride’s journey to country stardom was anything but conventional. A former baseball player turned self-taught singer, he defied a segregated industry in the 1960s to become RCA Records’ best-selling artist since Elvis Presley. With hits like “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’,” “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone,” and “Crystal Chandeliers,” Pride brought warmth, vulnerability, and soul to country radio—earning three Grammy Awards, over 50 Top 10 singles, and a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Pride’s visits to Kitchener-Waterloo over the years were more than just tour stops—they were celebrations. Fans packed venues like Centre In The Square, welcoming him with standing ovations, singalongs, and genuine affection. For many, seeing Charley Pride in KW wasn’t just a concert—it was a once-in-a-lifetime memory. He returned often, recognizing the deep love this region held for traditional country music and the trailblazers who defined it.
Even in his later years, Pride continued to record and perform with passion and grace, becoming a mentor and symbol of perseverance in the music industry. His final major public performance at the 2020 CMA Awards—singing “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” with Jimmie Allen—was a reminder of just how timeless his voice truly was.
Charley Pride may have passed in 2020, but in Kitchener-Waterloo and beyond, his music still plays on the radio, in family kitchens, and across generations of country fans.
Essential Listening:
“Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’”
“Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone”
“Just Between You and Me”
“All I Have to Offer You (Is Me)”
“Mountain of Love”
He was more than a chart-topper. Charley Pride was a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an enduring part of KW’s concert history.
