From an impoverished childhood in Sledge, Mississippi, Charley Pride ascended into the pantheon of country music, winning three Grammys, selling thirty million records in the United States alone, and garnering thirteen gold albums - more than Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, or Merle Haggard. In May 1993, he became the seventieth member of the Grand Ole Opry. But what sets this fascinating autobiography apart from other memoirs is the fact that Charley Pride is the only black superstar in the white galaxy of country music. Pride's initial ticket out of poverty was baseball. It was while playing for a Missoula, Montana, semipro team that he got his first paying gig, singing in a country-western bar; shortly after, he was discovered, gaining an audition in Nashville during the most bitter and polarized years of the civil rights struggle. When he was signed by RCA in 1956, his records began to sell immediately; he has ridden the charts for the twenty-five years since, toured worldwide, and set attendance records at concerts. This forthright autobiography offers fresh, disarmingly funny insights on being a highly conspicuous anomaly and making it work. Charley Pride's constant struggle for acceptance, singing in the only way he knows how, has enriched his life and made him an enlightened, charismatic force. Now one of Nashville's elder statesmen, Pride has lived through Music City's ongoing waves of turnover - and has earned himself a permanent place in country music's history.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
IT has the makings of a good country song.,
By
This review is from: Pride: The Charley Pride Story Story (Hardcover)
Charley Pride may no longer be a fixture on so-called country radio stations, but he has more talent than a slew of those twenty-something rock and roll wannabees who command the airwaves these days. This book proves that Charley is an equally talented author, and what a story he has to tell! From his impoverished childhood, through his military experience through his promising baseball career to country music stardom, the rags to riches tale is told in vivid detail. Readers will put it down feeling like they've made a new friend. It also contains in depth portraits of his wife of 40+ years, family, and associates who include some of Nashville's biggest names back when country music was really country.One question that will definitely be on your mind when you finish is, "Did that soldier from Alabama ever contact him?"
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Thorough and Professional Bio,
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Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Pride: The Charley Pride Story (Paperback)
If the purpose of a biography is to introduce the human subject, then "Pride" succeeds admirably. All the bases are touched here, as we follow Charley Pride from a hardscrabble childhood in segregated Mississippi, through a once promising baseball career, by blue collar jobs in Montana to the big time in Nashville. This reader enjoyed a close look at the business side of Country. Does a singer fly commercial, buy his own plane or use the traditional tour bus? Can you trust your manager-or anyone-to watch your financial back? There is always that payroll to meet! Charley narrates that many guys get in over their heads money-wise their musical talent notwithstanding. There are some gossipy tidbits about Gary Stewart ("She's Actin' Single, (I'm Drinkin' Double")), and that troubled trio Dave and Sugar. Charley even delves into the touchy subject of why commercial radio won't touch country oldies. "Pride" even has tempted this review to buy an astrology book! Charley believes in that stuff!There are a couple of minor factual glitches in "Pride": The unsuccessful tryout with the Mets had to have been in St. Petersburg, not Clearwater. Also, the Broncos were settled in Denver by 1960, not 1969. No harm done. This reviewer fondly remembers listening to "Is Anybody Goin' to San Antone" on the jukebox at the Rod and Fun Club in Idar-Oberstein, Germany. That's how many city boys become country fans back in the 70s. "Pride" is simply a very good biography which puts a nice personal touch on its subject. A final point: "Pride" is only available via 3rd party purchase. Amazon handles these transactions very capably-no one should hesitate to buy on that account.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Got it for Grammy Chucks but ended up reading it!,
By IRUEL (ALBQUERQUE) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Pride: The Charley Pride Story (Paperback)
I had gotten this book for my Grandmother for Mothers Day because she is a big Pride fan. I had recived it a little late (because I ordered late) and decided to read the first few pages and see what the hype was about. SO, read the whole thing and now listen to Mr. Prides music. It was a good easy read about a dream, the struggle, and the aftermath.
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