The number of Black artists currently surging into country music’s mainstream is unquestionably unprecedented; however, Black artists’ current success in country music is not.
Country music is full of amateur athletes who dreamed of playing in the NFL, MLB or NHL. Here are 11 who gave up a professional athlete's paycheck for the dream of making country music.
One of the greatest things about growing up in my family were the vacations we would take. My dad would plan a trip for us every other year or so. We drove to California one year, Texas another year, took a trip to our nation's capitol, went to Florida and many more.
Charley Pride has always been a trailblazer. He has opened the door for so many people from all walks of life to be welcomed into the country music community. Imagine being an African-American country singer in the 1960's trying to make it in this industry.
The sounds of Charley Pride's music filled our home when I was a kid. I grew up listening to his voice and knew every word of every song. He had so many great songs like "Crystal Chandelier", "Kaw-liga", "The Snakes Crawl at Night"
I was fortunate to grow up in house filled with music. My parents turntable was always spinning the sounds of Elvis, Buck Owens, Kenny Rogers, Charley Pride and many more. Charley was always one of my favorites.
Charley Pride does not get the credit he deserves. He is not only one of the greatest country singers of all time. He is also one of the bravest men in the history of music.