Roman’s Chinese Theatre has the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame has their own version of the Walk of Fame. As much a part of Country music history as the music itself is the Ryamn Auditorium which has created an Icon Walk that features life-sized statues of some of Country music’s pioneers including Loretta Lynn, Little Jimmy Pickens, and Bill Monroe.
On April 13, the Ryman added a new statue to the Icon Walk with a life-sized version of Charley Pride. The bronze statues were created “to honor those who have made significant contributions to the historic venue and Music City” as some of “the most profound musical innovators in country and bluegrass music.”
Pride’s widow Rozene and son Dion were on hand for the unveiling ceremony.
Rozene Pride spoke at the unveiling saying, “he (Charley) has often been called the Jackie Robinson of country music. The only difference was Jackie Robinson was picked for the role. Pride picked country music because he loved it and that was his life.” He was the first Country music star of colour.
Dion added, “he loved his fans – in fact, his fans drove him. All of you drove him. You are the reason why he was the success he was. Everything he did was for you.”
Charley Pride was a three time Grammy Award winning artist who also earned a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy, an Entertainer of the Year Award from the Country Music Association, was a CMA Male Vocalist of the Year winner, a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and had 41 chart topping hits. He also has a Crossroads of American Music Award recipient and was awarded the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award winner.
Artist Ben Watts was again commissioned to create the statue.
Ryman Properties Executive Chairman Colin Reed spoke on Pride saying, “Charley Pride broke barriers and defied stereotypes, becoming one of the most successful and beloved country music artists of all time. The Ryman Icon Walk honors not only his contributions and the groundwork he laid for countless other artists in country music, but also to the Ryman, where he performed many times throughout his career. Charley’s influence will always be felt throughout the entire Nashville community, and his addition to the Ryman Icon Walk is our way of paying tribute to his incredible talent and enduring legacy.”
Pride’s statue joins Loretta Lynn and Bill Monroe near the Ryman driveway on Fifth Avenue; while Little Jimmy Dickens stands on the main steps of the Auditorium itself, greeting each visitor as they enter the building.
Pride died in 2020 at the age of 86; one of the many victims of the Covid pandemic.
The Ryman Auditorium was built by Captain Thomas G. Ryman in 1892. From 1943 to 1974 the Ryman was the home of the Grand Ole Opry.
Photos courtesy of Catherine Powell