“Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” is one of the most iconic songs recorded by country music legend Charley Pride. Written by Ben Peters, the track was released in October 1971 as the lead single from Pride’s album Charley Pride Sings Heart Songs. It quickly became his signature song, topping the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in December 1971 and remaining there for five weeks. Beyond its success in the country market, the song also crossed over to mainstream audiences, reaching No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 7 on the Easy Listening chart, making it one of Pride’s biggest crossover hits.
The song’s message is simple but timeless. Its lyrics celebrate love, fidelity, and the little gestures that keep relationships strong. The memorable chorus advises listeners to “kiss an angel good morning” and “love her like the devil” when you get back home—a charming blend of everyday wisdom and heartfelt devotion. This mixture of warmth, relatability, and catchiness helped the song resonate not just with country fans but with audiences worldwide.
“Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” became a cornerstone of Charley Pride’s career. It was his eighth No. 1 country single, but more importantly, it solidified his place as one of the genre’s biggest stars of the 1970s. Pride, who broke barriers as one of the first Black superstars in country music, often credited the song as a turning point that brought his music to millions of new listeners.
Decades later, the song remains a classic, often associated with Pride’s smooth baritone and warm stage presence. It has been covered by numerous artists, but no version has matched the enduring charm of Pride’s original. “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” stands as a testament to love, longevity, and the universal language of music.
