Let Me Live (Charley Pride song) explained

Let Me Live
Cover:Charley Pride--Let Me Live.jpg
Type:single
Artist:Charley Pride
Album:Did You Think to Pray
A-Side:"Did You Think to Pray"
Recorded:February 11, 1971
Studio:RCA Victor Studio
Label:RCA Victor
Producer:Jack Clement
Prev Title:I'd Rather Love You
Prev Year:1971
Next Title:I'm Just Me
Next Year:1971

"Let Me Live" is a song written by Ben Peters. It was originally recorded by American country music artist Charley Pride. The song was produced by Jack Clement and was released as a single via RCA Victor Records in 1971. The song became a top 40 hit on the Billboard country chart and in Canada. It was Pride's only gospel recording to become a major hit.

Background and content

Under the supervision and guidance of Jack Clement, Charley Pride became country music's first commercially-successful African-American recording artist. By the early 1970s, he had several number one hits and released several studio albums. In 1971, he would release his first album of gospel music, which would include the song, "Let Me Live."[1] The song was composed by Ben Peters. The song was recorded on February 2, 1971 at the RCA Victor Studio. Two additional gospel songs were recorded during the same session. Jack Clement would serve as producer for the song.[2]

Release and reception

"Let Me Live" was released as a single via RCA Victor Records in April 1971. It was Pride's sixteenth single released in his music career. "Let Me Live" was actually the B-side on the single release. "Did You Think to Pray" was the original A-side but was not played as heavily at radio.[3] It spent a total of nine weeks on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and peaked at number 21 on the list in May 1971.[4] The song was Pride's first gospel recording (and only to date) to become a hit on country radio. It was also his first single to miss the country top ten since 1967.[3] In addition, it also became a hit in Canada, also reaching number 37 on the RPM Country Singles chart in 1968.[5] It was later released on Pride's 1971 gospel album, Did You Think to Pray.

Track listings

7" vinyl single[6]

Charts

Chart (1971)Peak
position
Canada Country Songs (RPM)37
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles (Billboard)[7] 4

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Vinopal . David . Charley Pride: Biography & History . . 25 December 2020.
  2. Pride . Charlie . "Did You Think to Pray"/"Let Me Live" (Vinyl Single Insert Information) . . April 1971.
  3. Book: Whitburn, Joel. Hot Country Songs 1944 to 2008. Record Research, Inc.. 2008. 978-0-89820-177-2.
  4. "Let Me Live" chart history . . 25 December 2020.
  5. Web site: Search results for "Charley Pride" under Country Singles . . 17 July 2013 . 24 December 2020.
  6. Web site: Charley Pride -- "Do You Think to Pray"/"Let Me Live" (1971, Single) . . 1971 . 25 December 2020.
  7. Book: Whitburn . Joel . Bubbling Under the Billboard Hot 100: 1959-2004 . 2005 . Record Research . 978-0898201628.