Brad Paisley took the stage during Sunday night’s (October 6) American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special to pay tribute to legendary country artist, Charley Pride.

The American Music Awards celebrated their 50th anniversary with a two-hour star-studded concert event featuring performances from some of the industry’s biggest stars. The country music genre was well represented, with special appearances by Carrie Underwood and Reba McEntire and performances from Kane Brown and Brad Paisley.

Brad Paisley had the honor of paying tribute to Charley Pride. Pride was a three-time American Music Award winner and the first-ever recipient of the Favorite Country Male Artist and Favorite Country Album  (“A Sunshiny Day”) trophies in 1974.

Charley Pride’s rise to country music superstardom was unique, as music wasn’t his first passion. Pride was a talented athlete who found success in the minor leagues before his voice drew the attention of the team manager, who paid him to sing before games. As his popularity grew, so did the push to record a country album. With the help of Jack Clement, Pride recorded a demo that was pitched to RCA Records’ executive, Chet Atkins.

Upon the release of his third single with RCA, “Just Between You and Me,” Pride found great success, even garnering a Grammy nomination for the song. The years that followed were packed with chart-topping hits, including eight No. 1’s between 1969 and 1971 alone.

Charley Pride died in 2020 due to complications from COVID 19.

Brad Paisley performed a Charley Pride hit and one of his own.

Brad Paisley, a two-time AMA winner, delivered a brief tribute to Charley Pride by singing Charley’s 1971 hit, “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’.” The tune was Pride’s 8th No. 1 but became his signature song due to its crossover and worldwide success.

Paisley followed his Charley Pride tribute with a song of his own. Paisley performed his latest single, “Truck Still Works,” a sequel to his 2003 hit, “Mud On The Tires.”
Paisley described “Truck Still Works” as “a throwback, but at the same time, it’s a new set of wheels. It’s a new road to go down.” The singer added that it’s one of many new songs that will be included on an upcoming project.

Hear Brad Paisley sing “Truck Still Works” at the American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special below.

Source: https://classiccountrymusic.com/