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.
