12 Comments
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John Nielson's avatar

Wonderful essay. I’d love to read what you have to tell us about DeFord Bailey.

Zachariah Malachi's avatar

Deford’s day is on the horizon, for sure. Definitely someone under appreciated by history.

T-Smith-Welch's avatar

I really enjoy reading all your stories.

John McCarthy's avatar

He missed the Letterman show and Dave called him on the phone,on air, and did the interview on the phone, asked him to sing and Charlie did a good version of Mountain of Love, accappela on the phone.

Jon's avatar

Another great article. I didn't think I could like Willie more until i read this. Charlie was a staple of my childhood as well even though I didn't understand then what he had to overcome to get on that old pickup radio.

Betsy's avatar

What a lovely essay!

Lucinda Garcia's avatar

Absolutely...incredible. I really enjoyed this one friend!

Ahmed’s Stack of Subs's avatar

“This wasn’t protection. This was capitulation.”

also smart strategy. what would have happened had charlie’s songs not gotten air time? savvy. business is about winning. i’m glad i got to hear charlie pride.

Michael McGuire's avatar

Was a huge fan of Charley Pride growing up. Still listen to him semi-regularly.

scott m's avatar

You misspelled his name.

Jim Holliman's avatar

This is my favorite one yet. My dad and your Papaw would have been fast friends. ... There was no judgment, as there was no reason for any. Just enjoying the music and one of the most beautiful and distinct voices you could hear in any lifetime. One of the best to ever do it, hands down. And to know he had to put up with all that to share it with everyone is sad. And then to think, it wasn't that long ago 😕

William Dean Thurmond's avatar

He co-owned the Texas Rangers baseball team. He was at every Spring Training we attended; every year he sang the national anthem and God Bless America. So friendly with us fans.