Charley Pride

Legendary country artist Charley Pride has received the Ameripolitan Master Award for his work, making him the first-ever living recipient of the prestigious prize.

The highlight of Charley Pride's baseball career was probably the four innings of an all-star game he pitched, during which he got a chance to stare down the likes of Hank Aaron and Willie Mays. Ultimately, professional ball didn't work out for him, but those long bus rides gave him a chance to entertain teammates and hone his guitar skills.

Even an established artist like Darius Rucker, who has enjoyed massive success as both a pop artist with '90s hitmakers Hootie and the Blowfish and as a legit solo artist on the country music front in recent years, can be a fan boy for a hot minute. Rucker tweeted a photo of himself with country legend Charley Pride after meeting the singer at the Grand Ole Opry last night (July 20.)

It has been over 40 years since Charley Pride broke onto the country music scene, where he would set bars and break records as the first African American country music singer to ever be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. His career record, 'Kiss an Angel Good Mornin,'' remained at No. 1 for five weeks and scored Pride countless accolades, including the CMA's prestigious Entertainer of the Year awar

Actor Dwayne Johnson, aka "The Rock," has his next role lined up. The former WWE wrestler will play Country Music Hall of Famer Charley Pride in a new biopic based on Pride's life, according to Variety.

Late last month, on March 29, country music legend Charley Pride was honored with his very own road marker on the Mississippi Country Music Trail.

Today marks Charley Pride's 73rd birthday, but the country legend -- best known for his million-selling 1971 hit 'Kiss an Angel Good Morning,' -- clearly has no intention of slowing down any time soon. He just released a brand-new album, 'Choices' (featuring the single 'Except for You'), and still performs in concert all over the country.

Charley Pride is back to change the face of country music yet again. His new single, 'Except for You' -- from the upcoming album, 'Choices' -- is the first single to be released by the 72-year-old singer since 1990.