Customer Reviews

Pride: The Charley Pride Story

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
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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?"

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.

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.

This is an excellent read, especially for Pride and country-western music fans. Charley gives real insight on who he is, his background, handling racism, and how he made it big.

This is a great book, very interesting. I learned things about Charley that I did not know. He did not have an easy road being accepted as a Country Singer!! He is very much a gentleman!! I'm a big fan!!

I bought this as a Christmas present and I got GREAT service and GREAT shipping.

I wanted a used book to read that was in great shape and low cost. I got that exactly. If you like Charley Pride it is a good book.

Good book. Clean transaction. Charley Pride is an amazing man and the book captures it.

[[ASIN:0688126383 Pride: The Charley Pride Story ] Well worth the 91 cents paid for this volume ! Have already loaned it to a friend to read as well! An enjoyable autobiography. Note, the book, used, is in excellent condition !