“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”

Introduction

Imagine waking up every morning with a simple yet powerful reminder of love—just like a warm, gentle kiss to start the day. This sentiment resonates deeply with the classic country tune “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” by Charley Pride. Released in 1971, the song quickly became an anthem of affection, capturing the essence of love in a few short lines. For many, it’s not just a song but a daily ritual, a gentle nudge to express love in the simplest yet most meaningful way.

About The Composition

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

Background

“Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” is one of those rare songs that feel timeless from the first listen. Written by Ben Peters, the song was brought to life by Charley Pride, a trailblazing artist who broke racial barriers in country music. At a time when the genre was still largely homogeneous, Pride’s voice brought something fresh and authentic. The song was inspired by the universal theme of love and the simple, everyday gestures that keep it alive. It quickly resonated with audiences, becoming Pride’s signature song and earning him widespread acclaim.

Upon its release, the song soared to the top of the charts, securing the number one spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It became one of the defining hits of Pride’s career, showcasing not only his vocal talent but also the warmth and sincerity that he brought to his music. The song’s success also highlighted the growing acceptance of diversity within country music, with Pride standing as a pioneering figure.

Musical Style

The musical style of “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” is quintessentially country, marked by its straightforward structure and relatable lyrics. The song features a classic country arrangement with gentle guitar strums, a steady rhythm section, and Pride’s rich, velvety vocals leading the way. There’s an easygoing, almost conversational quality to the music that makes it instantly appealing. The simplicity of the arrangement allows the lyrics to take center stage, making the message of love and affection all the more impactful.

Lyrics

The lyrics of “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” are a masterclass in saying a lot with very little. The song revolves around the simple advice that a man should show his love every day, starting with a kiss in the morning. The chorus, in particular, is both catchy and meaningful, encapsulating the essence of the song in just a few lines. There’s a comforting familiarity to the lyrics, which many listeners have found themselves echoing in their own lives. The message is clear: love should be expressed daily, in the small, tender moments that often go unnoticed.

Performance History

Since its release, “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” has been performed countless times by Charley Pride and covered by many other artists. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its universal appeal. The song has become a staple in Pride’s live performances, often eliciting the loudest cheers from the audience. It has also been featured in numerous compilations and greatest hits albums, ensuring its place in the annals of country music history.

Cultural Impact

The cultural impact of “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” extends beyond the realm of country music. The song has been used in various films, television shows, and commercials, often to evoke a sense of nostalgia or to underscore themes of love and family. It has also inspired countless people to incorporate its message into their daily lives, turning the act of kissing a loved one in the morning into a cherished ritual. The song’s influence is felt not just in music, but in the way people express and appreciate love in their everyday lives.

Legacy

“Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” remains one of the most beloved country songs of all time. Its simple yet profound message continues to resonate with listeners of all ages. The song is a reminder of the power of love and the importance of expressing it, no matter how busy life gets. Charley Pride’s rendition has become iconic, and the song’s legacy lives on through its continued popularity and its influence on other artists. Even decades after its release, “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” still has the power to bring a smile to listeners’ faces and warmth to their hearts.

Conclusion

“Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” is more than just a song; it’s a heartfelt reminder to cherish the small moments of love in our lives. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Charley Pride or hearing the song for the first time, its message is one that will stay with you long after the music fades. So, the next time you wake up, remember to kiss your angel good morning—it might just make your day a little brighter

Video

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

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THEY GOT MARRIED ON A CONCERT STAGE IN WICHITA. LESS THAN THREE YEARS LATER, JEAN SHEPARD WAS LEFT WITH TWO SONS AND A HUSBAND COUNTRY MUSIC COULD ONLY HEAR ON RECORDS. They met inside the world that had already claimed both of them — radio shows, road dates, the Grand Ole Opry, dressing rooms, and the kind of touring life where a singer’s home could feel like whatever town had the next stage. Jean was not fragile. She had already fought her way into hard country when women were still expected to sound sweeter than the men around them. “A Dear John Letter” had taken her to No. 1. The Opry had taken her in. She had survived one bad early marriage and kept her career anyway. Hawkshaw was different. Six-foot-five. Smooth. Charismatic. A West Virginia singer people called “Eleven Yards of Personality.” He had the height, the grin, and the kind of stage presence that made a crowd feel like he had walked in from a bigger life. On November 26, 1960, they married onstage during a concert in Wichita, Kansas. It was not just a courthouse promise. Ken Nelson gave Jean away. A local disc jockey broadcast the ceremony over the radio. The crowd was there. The music world was there. Their private vow entered country history through a microphone. For a while, it looked like the show and the marriage could live together. They toured. They built a home in Goodlettsville. They had a son, Don Robin, named after friends Don Gibson and Marty Robbins. Jean became pregnant again. Then the calendar turned cruel. The marriage that had started in front of an audience ended with Jean carrying the part no audience could sing for her — a toddler, an unborn child, and a husband whose voice kept climbing the chart after he was gone.

JEAN SHEPARD CUT “LONESOME 7-7203” BEFORE HER HUSBAND DID. CAPITOL LEFT IT SITTING. THEN HAWKSHAW HAWKINS RECORDED IT — AND DIED THREE DAYS AFTER ITS RELEASE. The song did not start as Hawkshaw Hawkins’ last hit. It passed through Jean Shepard first. By the early 1960s, Jean was already one of country music’s toughest women. She had come up through honky-tonk, made “A Dear John Letter” a No. 1 duet, joined the Grand Ole Opry, and proved she was not just a pretty harmony voice in a man’s business. Hawkshaw Hawkins was already part of that same Opry world. Tall, smooth, steady, with a career that had stretched from West Virginia radio to national country stages. He and Jean married in 1960. Two singers. Two roads. One house outside Nashville. Then came a Justin Tubb song called “Lonesome 7-7203.” Jean recorded it for Capitol, but the label left it unreleased. The song sat there. A lonely telephone number. A heartbreak line waiting for somebody to dial it. Hawkshaw finally told her that if Capitol was not going to release it, he would record it himself. King Records released his version on March 2, 1963. Three days later, Hawkshaw Hawkins was dead. The plane crash near Camden took him, Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas, and pilot Randy Hughes. Jean was left with the grief, the children, and the strange sound of her husband’s voice still rising on the radio. Then the song climbed. “Lonesome 7-7203” reached No. 1 after Hawkshaw was gone. Jean had recorded it first. Hawkshaw made it immortal. Country music kept dialing the number after the man who sang it could no longer answer.

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