Pride receives award

Established by the Museum's Board of Directors, the Crossroads of American Music Award honors an artist who has made significant musical contributions "influenced by the creativity born in the cradle of American music," according to a press release. Pride will appear at the Museum's 2019 gala to accept the award on Nov. 1 at GRAMMY Museum Mississippi.

"I'm honored to be the first recipient of this award from the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi," said Pride. "And thankful to the many great American music artists before me that helped to pave the way for my success. I applaud the museum for celebrating those artists and championing the importance of American music."

"We are thrilled to recognize the great Charley Pride as the first-ever recipient of our Crossroads of American Music Award," said Emily Havens, Executive Director of GRAMMY Museum Mississippi. "As a native of Mississippi, Charley has had a significant impact on American music with his uncompromising honky-tonk country music. Charley broke new ground in the '60s when he emerged as one of the most successful black country artists at that time. It's an honor to recognize Charley Pride as the inaugural recipient of our Crossroads of American Music Award."