Charlie Pride – Pride and Joy – A Gospel Music Collection

Charley Pride is one of the great singers in the history of country music. He doesn’t always get his due, and most folks think he disappeared long ago. This set, Pride and Joy: A Gospel Music Collection a solid, top-to-bottom country gospel album, is evidence that Pride hasn’t gone anywhere. And while it’s true his voice has undergone some changes due to age, it’s become more emotive and powerful. It’s a bit rawer around the edges, but that serves the material here just fine. Pride’s reading of Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey’s ”Take My Hand Precious Lord,” is simply stunning, as are his takes on the rollicking ”Jesus Take My Hand” by Albert Brumley, Bill Monroe’s ”Mansions for Me,” and Bill & Gloria Gaither’s ”I’m Gonna Sing.”

Country Music legend Charley Pride has an established history of recording Grammy award-winning spiritual music. Some years ago, Pride won two Grammy Awards related to his Gospel albumDID YOU THINK TO PRAY — Best Sacred Performance, Musical (Non-Classical) for the album, as well as Best Gospel Performance Other Than Soulfor his single ”Let Me Live”. Pride’s latest sonic journey into the realm of inspirational music features a rich array of classic Gospel hymns, modern Christian Music standards, and some divine new gems. Also included are a pair of noteworthy duets and a nod back at his spiritual music past with a spectacular Gospel Medley.