Darius Rucker paid homage to the late Charley Pride, “one of the greatest country music singers of all time,” during CMT Giants: Charley Pride.
During the star-studded tribute show, Rucker recalled the moment he was first introduced to Pride and his music.
“All of a sudden, I see him on Hee Haw, and he looks just like me,” Rucker remembered. “I think seeing that as a kid was one of the things later on in life that made me feel like I could do whatever I wanted to do. How someone could have 52 top hit country songs and make it look as easy as Charley Pride did is amazing. For as much fun as I have performing music, it always looked like Charley was having even more fun, even up to the last time I saw him. He loved what he did and we loved him for it.”
Rucker shared the stage with Pride’s longtime band leader, Danny Hutchins, to perform “Someone Loves You Honey,” Pride’s 20th No.1 hit.
Charley Pride passed away on December 12, 2020. He celebrated over 50 years as a recording artist and had a lasting impact on the the music community. Pride was a member of the Grand Ole Opry, a three-time GRAMMY winner, Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award winner, a CMA and ACM award winner and a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. He earned 36 No.1 singles throughout his career.
CMT Giants: Charley Pride also featured performances from Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, George Strait, Gladys Knight, Jimmie Allen, Lee Ann Womack, Luke Combs, Mickey Guyton, Wynonna Judd and Pride’s son Dion.
In addition to performances the show included interviews from family, friends and collaborators, including Neal McCoy, Nolan Ryan, Reba McEntire, Ronnie Milsap and Pride’s wife Rozene, who shared their personal memories while reflecting on Pride’s lasting legacy. The special also showcased rare archival photos, interviews and clips with commentary from the late Charley Pride.
The CMT special brought together Pride’s superstar friends and some of the biggest names in country music to celebrate his catalog of legendary hit songs.
CMT Giants: Charley Pride will air again for an encore performance on Sunday, August 29 at 12/11c on CMT.
