By Michael P Coleman
Don’t forget to tune in to KVIE tonight at 9pm when PBS profiles the iconic Charley Pride on its award-winning series, American Masters. If you happen to miss it, I’m told the episode will be available for streaming on PBS’ website beginning Saturday.
It’s great to see PBS putting the spotlight on an African American icon. Even today, over 50 years after he released his debut album, Pride’s accomplishments continue to be unmatched.
I’ve listened to Pride since I was a kid. His A Sunshiny Day With Charley Pride album is superb, and was the first of many of his that I continue to enjoy.
Here’s a description of the episode from PBS’ website:
“Explore the complicated history of the American South and its music through the life of country star Charley Pride. Raised in segregated Mississippi, his journey shows the ways that artistic expression can triumph over prejudice and injustice.”
Watch the preview on YouTube
Narrated by Tanya Tucker, the film includes interviews with Pride, Darius Rucker, Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and many, many others.
Click here to read MPC’s 2014 EXCLUSIVE chat with Charley Pride!
Freelance writer Michael P Coleman is available at michaelpcoleman.com and on Twitter: @ColemanMichaelP.
