Neal McCoy And Raul Malo Toast Charley Pride With “I’m Just Me”

Updated:

September 5, 2013 2:08 pm

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Back in 1981, an unknown country singer named Neal McCoy won a talent show in Texas, landing a spot as Charlie Pride’s opening act in the process. Three decades later, McCoy is paying tribute to his mentor with PRIDE, a covers album that focuses on some of the country legend’s biggest songs.

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McCoy adds his own stamp to “I’m Just Me,” raising the key a few notches and roping in Raul Malo for some guest vocals.

“‘I’m Just Me’ was a song we had to have on this tribute,” McCoy says, “because it supports the idea that you should just be yourself. Especially these days. Who you are as an individual is special, and you should celebrate that. Be who you are, always.”

“That is exactly why I thought the song was important to this tribute project,” adds producer Garth Fundis, “especially when you consider what the song must have meant to Charley Pride in 1971, as he was entering the height of his career. He knew he was different…and an original. I’m sure what this song is saying felt special and personal to Charley.”