R.I.P Charley Pride

 Charley Pride was considered the first Black Country star, one of three African-Americans in the Grand Ole Opry and  a Hall of Fame member. He was a two time All Star baseball player in the Negro leagues. In 1956 he was was drafted into the Army. Regardless of his race he could be described as a hero and due to his race he could be described  as a pioneer.

A veteran, a talented athlete and a legendary musician that was Charley Pride. As mentioned a member of the Grand Ole Opry and a Country Music Hall of Fame member. 30 number one hits, four Grammy Awards and numerous other awards document an incredible career.'

Here he sings the National Anthem...

Grammy for Best Sacred Performance "Did You Think to Pray"

Grammy for Best Gospel Performance "Let Me Live"

First song selected due to his connection with baseball and being a veteran. The other two for Gramy wins and showing his variety.

"Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'" is considered his biggest hit...

Country music lost a legend. He will be missed by his fans, friends and family.

R.I.P Joe Diffie

I bcame a pickup man earlier in this crazy month so I officially became a "Pickup Man."

Sadly Joe Diffie passed away due to COVID-19. Joe was Country Music hitmaker, a Grammy Award winning musician. 

He wasn't "Bigger Than The Beatles"

A lot of us are staying "Home"

On "The Third Rock from the Sun"

"If The Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets"

He will be missed may he R.I.P. 

R.I.P Doris Day

Doris Day passed away yesterday at the age of 97.  During her long career as an actress and singer she has earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom and a Lifetime Achievement Grammy.

                                           "Que Sera, Sera"

Here is one from early in her career "Sentimental Journey"

A look back at some of her celebrated roles..

"Secret Love" from Calamity Jane

She will live on in her recordings. She leaves behind quite a legacy on film and in song. She will be missed.

R.I.P Roy Clark

Roy Clark guitarist, banjo player, comedian, actor passed away at the age of 85 yesterday (11-15-18). He was an inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and was a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Along the way he was named Entertainer of the Year by the CMA twice and once by the ACM. Three times he was named the Instrumentalist of the Year by the CMA. Just to highlight a few awards.

He won a Grammy for this song...

He achieved stardom on Hee-Haw. "Talk About A Party"

This song was a number 6 hit in 1970.."Thank God and Greyhound"

Remember "Yesterday, When I Was Young"

The world will miss his comic and musical talents. May he rest in peace!

                                                      

Battle of the Bands: O Death R.I.P Ralph Stanley

Picking songs and ideas for the Battle of the Bands can get tough when you get distracted by other songs you find.

Here are the rules: You pick the one you like best by casting your vote in the comments. I tally them up and I will announce the winner on the 7th. I encourage you to check out the other mighty Battles and if you want to join up details can be found here!

Ralph Stanley a bluegrass legend passed away on June 23. He is the inspiration for this Battle. Bluegrass and Americana make appearances on my Battles once in a while. I'll try to keep the twang to a minimum.

The song I choose is "O Death." A traditional song dating back to the 1920's. Perhaps penned by Lloyd Chandler. Where ever the roots of this song come from Dr. Stanley turned it into a Grammy. I think the song s fitting..

Ralph singing it...

Vote for one of the contenders. Not Ralph Stanley. He already won a Grammy.

Contender One: Lauren O'Connell

Contender Two: Jen Titus

It should be an interesting battle. I look forward to seeing who wins. The winner is decided by your votes in the comments so vote away!