Charley Pride Live in Concert

My friend JoAnn's son gave her two tickets to see Charley Pride Live in Concert for tonight and she so generously invited me to come along. I was ecstatic.
Here we are in her backyard just before traveling out of town to have dinner and take in the concert.

We enjoyed a beautiful dinner. I had chicken breast with a mushroom and onion sauce, baked potato, squash and carrots. JoAnn had penne with sundried tomatoes. For an appetizer we had garlic bread with cheese. They brought us a 10 inch plate that was overflowing. Neither of us have ever tasted such good garlic bread. Both of the meals were heartily enjoyed.

Then it was time for the show. The announcer came out to let us know we were in for a special treat. Dion Pride, Charley's son was opening for him.

Dion put on a fine show. He looks much like his father in his younger days.

If you have ever watched Charley in action, Dion's moves are much the same. He is a great singer and has just released a new CD.

Then it was time for Charley himself. He still looks much the same as he did in 1971, when I bought his first album.

He put on a terrific show. He has published a book. Pride tells the story of growing up in Mississippi, one of eleven children. His song Cotton Pickin' Delta Town tells a bit about his life. Yes, he did actually pick cotton when he was a child.

He spoke of his mother, who died when he was quite young. His book is dedicated to her.

He told of close friends in the music industry. Marty Robbins, Conway Twitty, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings. He sang a tribute to them by incorporating each of their songs into a medley.

Charley's band is called, The Pride. One member has been with him 32 years and the lead guitarist 13 years.

There was lots of audience participation. Charley mentioned several people who were celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. A 90 year old man was in the audience. When his family asked him what he'd like for his birthday, the told them he wanted to go and see Charlie Pride.

Charley has been married to his wife for 52 years. His son, Dion, was born in Montana and is 43 years old.

I snapped the above photo as the concert was winding down. Everyone wanted to shake his hand and get his photo. This is when he came out to do an encore after finishing the show with Kiss An Angel Good Morning.