The Grand Ole Opry Celebrates 100 Years
Music City gathered together on March 19th to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the revered Grand Ole Opry. Opry 100: A Live Celebration occurred inside the famous Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee, featuring more than two dozen country music stars.
The first Grand Ole Opry radio show aired in 1925 and went on to become known as “the show that made country music famous.” Now, 100 years later, the Opry has had an immeasurable impact on country music artists and fans alike.
Blake Shelton hosted the anniversary event, which was broadcast live for country music fans worldwide to enjoy. The evening featured exciting performances from Opry members, including Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, and more.
One of the most memorable portions of the evening was the heartfelt tribute to the late Charley Pride.
Aloe Blacc And The McCrary Sisters Honor Charley Pride At Opry 100
One day after what would have been his 91st birthday, country legend Charley Pride was celebrated on the Opry stage. Singer and rapper Aloe Blacc joined the gospel group The McCrary Sisters for a passionate rendition of “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin.’”
Charley Pride released “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’” in 1971 as the first single from his album Charley Pride Sings Heart Songs. It was the Mississippi native’s eighth number-one on the country charts and became one of his most well-known songs. Relive the original version below!
Charley Pride’s Opry History
Charley Pride made his Opry debut in 1967 and immediately received an “open invitation” to join as a member. Interestingly, he declined the offer at first. According to his website, it was “purely an economical decision” for the artist. He explained:
“When I was first invited to join the Opry, they had a requirement at the time that you had to perform 26 Saturdays per year. Fridays and Saturdays were the best days for drawing people to shows and making money out on the road–and my career was starting to take off. So I had to politely decline.”
Charley Pride eventually became an Opry member 26 years later, in 1993.
Aloe Blacc and The McCrary Sisters’ performance of “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’” embodied the style and spirit of Charley Pride, and we are sure it would have made him proud. Upon arriving at the Opry House, Aloe wrote:
“As a respected artist in country music, Charley Pride broke barriers and paved the way for so many artists after him. His legacy lives on through his music. Grateful to pay tribute tonight on an original piece of the Opry stage.”
Check back to watch Aloe Blacc and The McCrary Sisters perform “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’” in honor of Charley Pride once the video becomes available.
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