Darius Rucker honored Charley Pride during Sunday’s Grand Ole Opry: 95 Years of Country Music special.

Rucker sang Pride’s hit, “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin.‘”  Rucker has been vocal about Pride’s influence on him, as a child, and throughout his career.

He and Pride sang the song, together, prior to Charley’s death.  They performed it during Rucker’s annual St. Jude benefit concert, in 2016.

Pride passed away in December of 2020, due to complications from COVID-19.

Rucker wrote an essay after Pride’s death – reflecting on his relationship with Pride:  “The first time I saw Charley Pride was on Hee Haw when I was in the first or second grade.”  Rucker recalled:  “I remember thinking, ‘This is awesome. This guy looks like me and there’s no one else on that show that looks like me.'”

Here’s a sweet picture of Mr. Pride, with another great fan, who treasured his influence:  Jimmie Allen.

NASHVILLE, TN – JULY 15: Recording Artist Charley Pride speaks with Recording Artist Jimmie Allen during Summer NAMM Show Music Industry Day at Music City Center on July 15, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Davis/Getty Images for NAMM)

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