“Opry 100 Honors Charley Pride” Set For September 22

A lifelong admirer of the Grand Ole Opry, Pride grew up listening to WSM radio broadcasts and made his Opry debut in 1967. Although he declined an early invitation to join because of his demanding touring schedule, he officially became a Grand Ole Opry member in 1993 and remained one of its most respected ambassadors throughout his career.

“The Grand Ole Opry held a very special place in my father’s heart, and our family is deeply grateful to see his music and legacy celebrated on the stage he loved so much,” said Dion Pride. “It will be an honor to perform alongside artists who admired him and to share his songs with the fans who have kept them alive for generations.”

“Every single night Charley Pride came home to the Opry was an event,” said Opry Executive Producer Dan Rogers. “His performances were amazing. The crowd response was like no other. And the backstage area was always, always buzzing. Charley’s spirit and songs live on, and we’re so looking forward to celebrating both on the Opry stage in September.”

Pride was one of country music’s most successful and beloved artists. Across more than five decades, he recorded 29 No. 1 hits and 52 Top 10 singles, earned three GRAMMY Awards, sold tens of millions of records worldwide, and became one of RCA Records’ best-selling artists. His unmistakable voice and timeless catalog – including classics such as “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’,” “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone,” “All I Have to Offer You (Is Me),” “Mountain of Love,” “Burgers and Fries,” and “Roll On Mississippi” – helped define country music for generations.

As one of country music’s first Black superstars, Pride broke barriers and opened doors for generations of artists while bringing audiences together through the universal power of his music.

Born in Sledge, Mississippi, Pride first pursued a career in professional baseball before turning his full attention to music. After signing with RCA Records in the mid-1960s, his breakthrough came with “Just Between You and Me,” launching an extraordinary recording career. In 1971, he won the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year award, along with consecutive Male Vocalist of the Year honors, while “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” became an international crossover hit.

Pride’s many honors include induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000, the Academy of Country Music’s Pioneer Award, and the Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. He continued touring and recording into his 80s, performing for audiences around the world with the warmth, humility and unmistakable voice that made him one of country music’s enduring icons. His songs remain staples of the country music canon, and his influence continues to be felt across generations of artists and fans.

Opry 100 Honors, presented by Humana and sponsored by Dan Post Boots, pays tribute to the icons who helped shape the Opry’s first century. Since launching in 2025, the series has honored Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, Charlie Daniels, Porter Wagoner, Bill Monroe, Minnie Pearl and Roy Acuff, Hank Williams, Little Jimmy Dickens, and Don Williams.

Tickets are also on sale for all Opry 2026 shows through December at opry.com. For more details on the Opry’s Summer of the Century, visit opry.com/summer-of-the-century.

The Opry’s Summer of the Century continues with special shows including appearances by Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Lainey Wilson, Wyatt Flores, Hannah Harper, Lady A, Filmore, Brantley Gilbert, Dustin Lynch, The Oak Ridge Boys, Switchfoot, Carrie Underwood, and more.