Introduction
Charlie Pride, born as Charley Frank Pride in 1934 in Mississippi, was an American legendary country music artist, guitarist, and a record producer. Pride was the first African American Country musician to gain a substantial following in the United States. He recorded 47 Top 10 hits, including 29 #1 hits, during his career, and he is one of the highest-selling country musicians in history. One of his notable hits is “Crystal Chandeliers,” which spent four weeks at the top of the Billboard Country charts in 1975.
Early Life and Career
Pride was born to sharecroppers in Sledge, Mississippi. Growing up, he listened to Grand Ole Opry broadcasts, and his love for country music began. Pride also loved playing baseball, and after graduating high school, he played in the Negro American League for Memphis Red Sox. However, Pride continued to pursue music and began playing guitar and singing wherever he could.
After several minor successes in local honky-tonks, Pride met Jack Clement, a Nashville record producer, who helped him secure a recording deal with RCA Victor Records. In 1966, Pride released his debut single, “The Snakes Crawl at Night,” which peaked at number 16 on the country charts.
Challenges as an African-American Country singer
In the 1960s and 1970s, country music was a predominantly white genre with very few African American performers. When Pride emerged as a Country singer, he faced considerable challenges; many people rejected him because of his skin color. However, Pride’s talent and music eventually won the hearts of fans worldwide, and he paved the way for future African American Country artists.
Crystal Chandeliers
In 1975, Charlie Pride recorded Crystal Chandeliers, a song about a man who is trying to forget his former lover. The song describes how the man tries to move forward with his life by replacing the memories of his lover with a beautiful Crystal Chandelier. The song became a massive hit for Pride, spending four weeks at the top of the Billboard Country charts.
Crystal Chandeliers Lyrics
The song’s chorus goes:
“Crystal Chandeliers, light up the paintings on your wall,
Your eyes sparkle, shine bright like diamonds after all.
The world fades away when you’re in my arms,
Nothing left to say, just us and the stars.”
Charlie Pride’s Legacy
Charlie Pride’s music and undeniable talent impacted the world of country music in ways that are still felt today. He broke down barriers and opened doors for future African American Country music artists. In 2000, Pride was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. In 2020, the Country Music Association announced that they were honoring Charlie Pride with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award for his significant contributions to country music.
Charlie Pride’s Crystal Chandeliers will forever be remembered as one of his greatest hits. The song’s impact on Pride’s career and Country music remains significant today, and it’s a testament to his impressive musical talent. Pride’s musical legacy will continue to inspire future generations to pursue their dreams, no matter the challenges they may face.
