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Introduction

When you hear the title “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’,” it’s almost impossible not to feel a wave of warmth and nostalgia. This classic country tune, sung by the legendary Charley Pride, is one of those songs that seems to transcend time. For anyone who’s ever cherished a morning kiss from a loved one, this song feels like a gentle reminder of life’s sweetest moments. First released in 1971, it’s a track that still resonates with listeners today.

About The Composition

  • Title: Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’
  • Composer: Ben Peters
  • Premiere Date: 1971
  • Album: Charley Pride Sings Heart Songs
  • Genre: Country

Background

Written by Ben Peters, “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” was released as a single in October 1971 and became one of Charley Pride’s signature songs. The track was included in Pride’s album Charley Pride Sings Heart Songs and quickly climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It also became a crossover hit, reaching the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100—a significant achievement for a country song at the time.

The song’s concept is as simple as it is beautiful: it’s about the everyday act of cherishing the one you love. Pride’s warm baritone brought the heartfelt lyrics to life, creating a timeless anthem for devotion and gratitude. “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” earned Ben Peters a Grammy Award for Best Country Song in 1972 and became a career-defining hit for Charley Pride, cementing his status as a country music icon.

Musical Style

The song’s musical style is a quintessential example of early 1970s country. With a cheerful melody and an upbeat tempo, it’s driven by a combination of acoustic guitar, pedal steel guitar, and a rhythm section that adds just the right amount of bounce. Pride’s vocal delivery is warm and smooth, perfectly complementing the song’s lighthearted yet sincere tone. The simple yet catchy chorus invites listeners to sing along, making it an enduring favorite in the country music canon.

Lyrics

The lyrics of “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” capture the essence of love and commitment. The narrator reveals the secret to his happiness: showing love and appreciation to his partner every single day. Lines like “Kiss an angel good mornin’ / And let her know you think about her when you’re gone” convey a profound yet relatable sentiment. The song’s message is clear: it’s the little acts of love that keep relationships strong.

Performance History

From the moment it was released, “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” was a sensation. It became Charley Pride’s eighth number-one hit on the country charts and was performed on numerous television shows and live stages, including the Grand Ole Opry. The song’s popularity also extended internationally, contributing to Pride’s reputation as one of country music’s first African American superstars.

Over the decades, the song has been covered by numerous artists, including Alan Jackson and George Jones, further cementing its place in the country music repertoire. It remains a staple in Pride’s live performances, often met with standing ovations and audience singalongs.

Cultural Impact

“Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” is more than just a country hit; it’s a cultural touchstone. Its crossover appeal introduced country music to a broader audience, helping to break down racial and genre barriers in the music industry. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal message and timeless charm.

In addition to its influence on country music, the song has appeared in films, TV shows, and commercials, ensuring that new generations continue to discover and appreciate it. Its title has also become a widely recognized phrase, symbolizing love and affection.

Legacy

More than five decades after its release, “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” remains one of Charley Pride’s most beloved songs. It’s a shining example of how music can capture the essence of human emotion and create connections that span generations. The song’s simple yet profound message continues to resonate, making it a cherished classic in country music history.

Conclusion

Listening to “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” feels like being wrapped in a warm hug. It’s a reminder to cherish the people we love and to express that love in simple, meaningful ways. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Charley Pride or discovering the song for the first time, its charm is undeniable. For an unforgettable rendition, seek out Charley Pride’s live performances or revisit the original recording on Charley Pride Sings Heart Songs. You’ll be glad you did

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Lyrics

… When ever I chance to meet, old friends on the street
They wonder how does a man get to be this way
Always got a smiling face, anytime and any place
And every time they ask me why I just smile and say
… ‘Cause you’ve got to kiss an angel good morning
And let her know you think about her when you’re gone
Kiss an angel good morning
And love her like the devil when you get back home
… Though people may try to guess, the secret of our happiness
But some of them never learn it’s a simple thing
The secret I’ma speaking of, is a woman and a man in love
And the answer is in this song that I always sing
… ‘Cause you’ve got to kiss an angel good morning
And let her know you think about her when you’re gone
Kiss an angel good morning
And love her like the devil when you get back home
… Kiss an angel good morning
And let her know you think about her when you’re gone
Kiss an angel good morning
And love her like the devil when you get back home

Related Post

IN HIS FINAL SUMMER, CHARLEY PRIDE STOOD ALONE ON A PITCHER’S MOUND IN TEXAS — NO CROWD, NO CHEERS — JUST SILENCE AND THE ANTHEM HE HAD WAITED SIXTY YEARS TO SING. The boy from Sledge, Mississippi who once pitched in the Negro Leagues because Major League Baseball wouldn’t have him — now stood as co-owner of Globe Life Field, singing the national anthem to forty thousand empty seats. It was July 2020. The pandemic had silenced the world. And Charley Pride, 86 years old, walked slowly to the mound where pitchers once would have refused to share a field with him. He had spent decades breaking through walls — Nashville studios that hid his face on album covers, audiences that fell silent when he walked on stage and roared when he walked off. His whole life was a series of quiet, dignified victories. But on that empty field, the fight was finally over. “I’m so glad that I’m livin’ in America,” he had sung for decades. On that mound, in that silence, you could hear he meant every word. Five months later, he was gone. Some legends go out with stadiums roaring. Charley Pride stood alone on an empty field, sang to a country that had finally made room for him, and walked off the mound one last time. Maybe that was the most beautiful song he ever sang — the one with no crowd at all. “Life can be remarkably generous sometimes — giving you exactly the quiet moment you need to say goodbye to the dream you never stopped loving.” And there’s something about that day no one in the stadium has been able to explain — not then, not now.

You Missed

IN HIS FINAL SUMMER, CHARLEY PRIDE STOOD ALONE ON A PITCHER’S MOUND IN TEXAS — NO CROWD, NO CHEERS — JUST SILENCE AND THE ANTHEM HE HAD WAITED SIXTY YEARS TO SING. The boy from Sledge, Mississippi who once pitched in the Negro Leagues because Major League Baseball wouldn’t have him — now stood as co-owner of Globe Life Field, singing the national anthem to forty thousand empty seats. It was July 2020. The pandemic had silenced the world. And Charley Pride, 86 years old, walked slowly to the mound where pitchers once would have refused to share a field with him. He had spent decades breaking through walls — Nashville studios that hid his face on album covers, audiences that fell silent when he walked on stage and roared when he walked off. His whole life was a series of quiet, dignified victories. But on that empty field, the fight was finally over. “I’m so glad that I’m livin’ in America,” he had sung for decades. On that mound, in that silence, you could hear he meant every word. Five months later, he was gone. Some legends go out with stadiums roaring. Charley Pride stood alone on an empty field, sang to a country that had finally made room for him, and walked off the mound one last time. Maybe that was the most beautiful song he ever sang — the one with no crowd at all. “Life can be remarkably generous sometimes — giving you exactly the quiet moment you need to say goodbye to the dream you never stopped loving.” And there’s something about that day no one in the stadium has been able to explain — not then, not now.