Jimmie Allen has one of the most soulful voices in modern country music, and at the 2020 CMA Awards on Wednesday night (Nov. 11), he got to show it off — as well as honor one of the pivotal figures in the genre’s history, Charley Pride, who joined the young singer-songwriter for a tender duet.
Looking dapper in a vintage tux, Allen appeared confident while playing his hit single “Best Shot” during one of his most high-profile televised performances to date. He then paid homage to Pride, the recipient of this year’s Willie Nelson lifetime achievement award at the CMAs, who joined Allen onstage, where the pair sang “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’” as stars like Eric Church sang along in the audience.
The showcase ended with Allen presenting Pride with the honorary award, and calling the African-American country pioneer “a real hero” to rapturous applause. Released in 1971, “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’” was a top 40 hit for Pride on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, while “Best Shot” reached the top of the Country Airplay chart after Allen released the single in 2018.
Click here for a full list of winners from the 2020 CMA Awards.