The Fascinating Journey Behind Charley Pride’s “Then Who Am I”
Charley Pride (#1, 1975)
Step into the vibrant world of 1970s Nashville, where the dynamic songwriting duo A. L. “Doodle” Owens and Dallas Frazier thrived. Owens, affectionately known as “Doodlebug,” transitioned from being a sign painter to a prolific songwriter in 1964. Meanwhile, Frazier’s illustrious career took off with the pop sensation “Alley Oop” by the Hollywood Argyles in 1960, followed by the country classic “There Goes My Everything” performed by Jack Greene in 1966.
Though Frazier eventually left the songwriting scene to pursue a career in ministry, his legacy continued to shine through the songs he had penned. Four of Charley Pride’s chart-topping singles, including “All I Have To Offer You (Is Me)” and “(I’m So) Afraid Of Losing You Again” in 1969, “I Can’t Believe That You’ve Stopped Loving Me” in 1970, and finally, “Then Who Am I” in 1975, bore Frazier’s unmistakable mark.
“Then Who Am I” marked a significant milestone for both Charley Pride and producer Jerry Bradley. As the son of the legendary Owen Bradley, the pioneer behind “The Nashville Sound,” Jerry stepped into the producer role after Charley decided to part ways with Jack Clement, who had been at the helm of Pride’s sessions since 1965.
The transition took place over a dinner at Mario’s Restaurant, where Charley Pride, his manager Jack Johnson, and Jerry Bradley convened. Sensing the weightiness of the occasion, Jerry suspected that a significant decision was about to be made. Indeed, it was during this meeting that Charley and his manager revealed their choice to replace Clement. Bradley found himself in the unexpected position of being the bearer of the news to his predecessor.
With the torch passed from Clement to Bradley, Charley Pride faced a critical period in his career. Two singles, “We Could” and “Mississippi Cotton Pickin’ Delta Town,” failed to reach the top spot. A year elapsed before Pride reclaimed his throne with his third single under Bradley’s guidance: “Then Who Am I.” The song ascended to the pinnacle of Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart on February 8, 1975, reaffirming Charley’s position as a force to be reckoned with in the industry.
The enchanting story behind Charley Pride’s “Then Who Am I” not only showcases the fruitful collaboration between A. L. “Doodle” Owens and Dallas Frazier but also sheds light on the pivotal transition in Pride’s career. It serves as a testament to the resilience and talent that propelled Pride to the forefront of country music, solidifying his place among the genre’s legends.
Album: The Best Of Charley Pride Vol. III
Released: 1976
Artist: Charley Pride
Lyrics
If he’s the one that’s always on your mind
The only one whose love can satisfy
If he’s the one that keeps your heart alive
Then who am I? (Who am I?) Who am I?
Am I no more than just a rock you needed for a stepping stone
Until the right one came along
If he’s the one that live with you inside
Then who am I? (Who am I?) Who am I?
Am I no more than just a fool that held you up when you were down
Until your true love could be found
If he’s the one that live with you inside
Then who am I? (Who am I?) Who am I?
Yes who am I? (Who am I?) Who am I?
