Brad Paisley shared a special story at the American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special on Sunday (Oct. 6). Before beginning his own performance of his new single “Truck Still Works”, Paisley talked about Pride’s role in his own country music career.

“50 years ago, Charley Pride won two awards at the very first American Music Awards and that’s a big deal, y’all. It was really, really cool.

“Many years later, when I was 15, Charley saw me play and he gave me his home phone number. And he said to my dad, ‘Hey, I wanna help your son.’ And help me he did. He was such a great guy and we miss him so much. Tonight, I’d love to sing a little bit of this classic by a man called Pride.”

He then launched into a quick riff of “Kiss an Angel Good Morning”, singing the chorus.

“We miss you, Charley,” Paisley says before singing his new song.

Brad Paisley Represents Country Music at the AMAs Anniversary Special

Paisley was one of a handful of country artists who were a part of the milestone anniversary of the American Music Awards. In addition to the “Mud on the Tires” singer, Kane Brown was also in attendance, and he performed. Brown took the stage to sing his song “Miles On It”, but he started off his time on stage by covering a few lines of Alan Jackson‘s “Drive.”

Carrie Underwood and Reba McEntire also shared their memories from AMAs ceremonies past in pre-recorded videos.

The American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special was held at the LA Center Studios in Los Angeles, Calif. on Sunday (Oct. 6). The event celebrated the award show’s rich history of celebrating music of all genres. The two-hour special aired on CBS and streamed on Paramount+.