Happy Birthday To Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie Pride — My Encounter

When I think Charlie Pride I think of one of my favorite country music artists of all time!  I can remember when I was little sitting around the Bar-B-Que pit with my dad and grandpa listening to Charlie Pride on an old 8-track player.  That was the first time I was introduced to classic country and the great sounds of Charlie Pride.

Well today, the legendary Charlie Pride turns 77.  Charlie was born March 18, 1938 in Sledge, Mississippi. A lot of people don't realize this but Charlie first wanted to be a professional baseball player and when that didn't work out he turned to music. He started his career in 1966 and has been rocking ever since.

During Charlie Pride's career, he has had more than 50 hit songs!  Some of them have become just legendary like "Kiss an Angel Goodmorin', Is Anyone Going to San Antoine, Kaw-liga" just to name a few.

A few years ago, Charlie Pride was performing here in Lake Charles and he came by the Gator 99.5 studio's.  He visited with all of the Gator 99.5 staff and played us his new record.  What was really cool was that he sat in the studio with us and basically sang ever song to us.  We got our own private concert with Charlie Pride!

Here is a picture of me and Charlie from that day.

He was one of the nicest guys!  Happy Birthday Charlie!  Thanks for all the great music and memories!