Back in December 2020, country music lost an icon when Charley Pride passed away at 86 years old. Throughout his time on stage, the country singer proved himself to be a top name in the genre with hits like “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone” and “All I Have to Offer You (Is Me).” He even ventured into the genre of gospel music as he went on to become one of the few African-American members of the Grand Ole Opry. He even landed in the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2020. With Pride leaving such a memorable history in music, Aloe Blacc teamed up with the McCrary Sisters for a special tribute that included “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin.”
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While the night centered around the 100th anniversary of the Opry, the venue knew that its popularity was due to the decades of performers who graced the stage. Making it more about the history of country music and the iconic singers who helped the venue stay relevant over the last 100 years, the Opry celebrated Pride as Blacc and the McCrary Sisters produced a touching performance.
During the early 1970s, Pride decided to record “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’”, which was written by Ben Peters. Little did the singer know, the song would go on to define his career in the genre. Reaching the Top 40 on the pop charts, the song was covered by several artists including Conway Twitty, Alan Jackson, Gene Stuart, and even George Strait.
.@aloeblacc honoring Charley Pride
— Rebecca L. Stollman • (@rlstollman) March 20, 2025
on @opry 100. #opry #opry100 pic.twitter.com/8P5k3gesSF
Thrilled that #CharleyPride is getting an #Opry100 tribute. True story: I met him in the men's room of a Pasadena hotel. Gracious man, marvelous talent. @nbc @peacock
— Jay Bobbin (@JayBobbin1) March 20, 2025
@aloeblacc, a black singer, paying tribute to another black singer: Charley Pride#Opry100 pic.twitter.com/dlNE6VAVSK
— Paul T. Backes (@PaulTBackes) March 20, 2025
The McCrary Sisters Remember The Legacy Of Late Sister Deborah
As for the song, it centered around a happily married couple who offered some advice to a friend who wanted to know the secret of love. Finding the perfect love, the man in the song explained how every morning he got the chance to kiss an angel. And when it came to himself, he advised the friend to “love her like the devil.”
Although the performance from Blacc and the McCrary Sisters gained a great deal of praise from fans, not all members were present. Featuring Ann McCrary, Regina McCrary, and Alfreda McCrary, the group sadly lost their sister Deborah McCrary back in June 2022. Wanting to celebrate the singer’s life, the remaining sisters released the song “Shake It Off”, which featured Deborah’s vocals, just a few months later.
Remembering her love for music and the grace she brought to each performance, the sisters wrote at the time of Deborah’s passing, “My sister Deborah McCrary just got her wings! Gone but not forgotten! I thank God for her life she was our baby! We love you Deborah!”
(Photo by Paula Lobo/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
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