As my co-producer Gene Redwine pointed out, miracles occur in the strangest of places. He quoted from the song Yesterday’s Wine by Merle Haggard and George Jones. Pride rose to international prominence and was one of the most beloved names in the entertainment industry. Like Lorretta Lynn, Dottie West and Johnny Cash, who all came from small towns, Pride’s story will be on the big screen. Pride never forgot his small-town roots as reflected in songs such as I’m Missing Mississippi, Roll on Mississippi, and Mississippi Cotton Picking Delta Town. Pride proved to be clever and creative as he rose through the ranks. American Pride will be another epic journey of a man chasing his dreams. Quaid will own, produce, and act in the movie. He will portray Charley’s long-term manager Cowboy Jack Clement.  So far, the title role has not been filled.
It will be interesting to see what aspects of his life Quaid will focus on. He is a veteran actor who I thought was sensitive and realistic in his portrayal of Major League Baseball player Jim Morrison in The Rookie. It was about a young boy who loved baseball. He had to move many times because his father was in the military.  He became a successful teacher and coach but did get a shot at the big leagues in his 40’s with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. The movie portrays his first recorded strikeout against Royce Clayton of the Texas Rangers.
I think Quaid's connection with a baseball movie is good because Pride was also a professional baseball player in the former Negro leagues and later a co-owner of the Rangers.

​While there is no doubt Pride made it on his own talent, I believe clever marketing techniques established him. Buck Owens was a big influence as Pride guested on the first Hee Haw show. Pride hit national prominence with Kiss an Angel Good Morning and later discovered talent--including stars Dave and Sugar and Neal McCoy. I recently saw McCoy and he sang Kiss an Angel Good Morning as a tribute to Pride. He says he will never forget him

Neal McCoy tells the crowd at a recent concert in Ohio he earned a spot as Charley Pride's opener when he won a talent contest in Dallas. (Photo By Red Thompson, Jr.)

When dreams begin in a small town, growth takes place in chapters.  I believe American Pride will reflect just that theme.

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The Main Street in Sledge was where it all began for county Music singer Charlie Pride. (Photo By Gene Redwine).

Charley Pride: An American Success Story