Twenty-five years ago today, on May 1, 1993, Charley Pride accepted an invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry, 26 years after his debut on the revered stage. It was the second time that Opry administrators had asked him to join the organization’s ranks. It was in 1967 that Pride appeared at the Opry, becoming the second black performer, and first African-American singer to perform. Pride recalled how he felt that day,

“I was so nervous, I don’t know how I got through those two songs. It’s hard to remember that far back because it’s been a while, but I remember how nervous I was — that, I can tell you. It was something.”

Soon after Pride’s first Opry performance, he was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry. However, he respectfully declined in light of his touring and the Opry’s performance requirements. The Opry had a requirement that you had to play 26 Saturdays per year. For Pride, those like that are the best days to draw and make money on the road. He was not making that much money when he was starting out and that was an economical thing for him.

Photo Credits: (www.opry.com)

Charley Pride, His Opry Induction

Jimmy C. Newman did the honors during Pride’s induction into the Grand Ole Opry. After almost 30 years in the music business, his induction was a long-awaited hallmark of support from the country music industry.

Initially, Pride had dreams of being a professional baseball player before his country music career soared. He played on several minor league baseball teams in the hopes of making it to the majors. Always, he considers his recognition in the country music community, especially at the Opry, better than anything he ever wanted for himself.

Pride’s 25^th Anniversary Celebration

Charley Pride will also celebrate his 25th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member with appearances at the Opry on May 4 and  5. Opry flagship station 650 AM WSM plans to greet Pride with a “Country Pride Weekend” by playing Pride’s 50-plus Top 10 singles and signature Pride archived programs. Moreover, they will take listener requests of Pride’s all-time favorites.

We are all proud of you, Charley! Keep swimming, all for the love of country music.

Here is Charley Pride performing “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone” at the Marty Stuart show.