WATCH: Gladys Knight Tributes Charley Pride with Cover of ‘Roll On Mississippi’

Seven-time GRAMMY winner Gladys Knight made an appearance on the star-studded television special, CMT Giants: Charley Pride, which debuted on Wednesday, August 25, to honor the late country icon. 

“Charley Pride and I were both hard working children of the south. We went on to sell millions of records thank God, and tour the world, but deeper than that, we both worked hard with the awareness that every step we took anywhere was a step that was larger than us that set the table for those who would follow,” Knight reflected. “Not fearing that challenge, but accepting the weight of our next steps allowed not just black, but all musicians to continue to benefit from our work.”

Knight performed “Roll On Mississippi,” the second single and title track from Pride’s 28th studio album. 

“His voice was perfectly made for that kind of music,” Knight declared.

When a legend like @MsGladysKnight covers a legend like Charley Pride it’s magic. ✨ #CMTGiants pic.twitter.com/mloyIeXYxO

— CMT (@CMT) August 26, 2021

Charley Pride passed away on December 12, 2020. He celebrated over 50 years as a recording artist and had a lasting impact on the the music community. Pride was a member of the Grand Ole Opry, a three-time GRAMMY winner, Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award winner, a CMA and ACM award winner and a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. He earned 36 No.1 singles throughout his career. 

CMT Giants: Charley Pride also featured performances from Alan Jackson, Darius Rucker, Garth Brooks, George Strait, Jimmie Allen, Lee Ann Womack, Luke Combs, Mickey Guyton, Wynonna Judd and Pride’s son Dion.

In addition to performances the show included interviews from family, friends and collaborators, including Neal McCoy, Nolan Ryan, Reba McEntire, Ronnie Milsap and Pride’s wife Rozene, who shared their personal memories while reflecting on Pride’s lasting legacy. The special also showcased rare archival photos, interviews and clips with commentary from the late Charley Pride.

The CMT special brought together Pride’s superstar friends and some of the biggest names in country music to celebrate his catalog of legendary hit songs.

CMT Giants: Charley Pride will air again for an encore performance on Sunday, August 29 at 12/11c on CMT.