Country music icon Charley Pride has died

The trailblazing singer-songwriter was 86.

Charley Pride, the first black artist to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, has died at the age of 86.

Best known for his chart-topping hits 'Kiss An Angel Good Mornin', 'I'd Rather Love You' and 'I'm Just Me', Pride made a massive impact in Northern Ireland during the '70s when he played several concerts there, at a time when non-resident musical acts rarely did. Pride's song, 'Crystal Chandeliers', became a chart-topping hit in Ireland as a result.

Pride was also nominated for an Oscar in 1971 for the song, 'All His Children', when the song was featured on Paul Newman's drama, 'Sometimes a Great Notion'. Pride was considered a trailblazing artist, becoming the first black star in country music - a genre that is dominated by white artists in the US and abroad.

Pride is survived by his wife of 64 years, Rozene, his three children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.