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Who Is Ronnie Milsap?
Ronnie Milsap is a legendary country music artist, known for his rich blend of country, pop, and R&B, and for overcoming the challenges of being blind since birth. Raised in a rural farming community, Milsap’s career boasts an impressive 40 number-one country hits, six Grammy Awards, and eight Country Music Association Awards. His influence on the country music genre is undeniable, having paved the way for a more mainstream crossover of country into pop.
Early Years
Born on January 16, 1943, in Robbinsville, North Carolina, Ronnie Milsap spent his early years in an impoverished Appalachian farming community. Despite being blind since birth, Milsap showed early musical talent and, with the financial support of his grandparents, attended the Morehead State School for the Blind in Raleigh, where he studied classical music and learned to play the piano, violin, and guitar.
Milsap’s academic journey continued at Young-Harris Junior College in Georgia, where he studied political science. Though he was offered a scholarship to Emory University, Milsap decided to follow his passion for music. In 1964, at the age of 20, he released his first single, “Total Disaster.” The following year, he moved to Memphis and formed a rhythm and blues band. In 1970, the band recorded the pop single “Loving You is a Natural Thing,” followed by Milsap’s self-titled debut album in 1971 under Warner Bros.
Career Highlights
Milsap’s career took a significant turn in 1972 when he moved to Nashville, Tennessee, the heart of country music. By 1973, he had signed with RCA Victor, launching a series of hits, including “I Hate You” (1973) and “Pure Love” (1974). His 1974 hit “Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends” earned him his first Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance. Milsap quickly became a staple in the country music scene, winning the Country Music Association’s Male Vocalist of the Year award in 1974, 1976, and 1977.
Milsap’s crossover appeal became apparent in 1981 when his hit “Smoky Mountain Rain” charted on both country and pop lists. His success continued with songs like “(There’s) No Gettin’ Over Me” (1981) and “Any Day Now” (1982). His 1986 album Lost in the Fifties Tonight won him another Grammy, and in 1987, he shared the Best Country Vocal Performance Duet Grammy with Kenny Rogers for their collaboration on “Make No Mistake, She’s Mine.”
In 1990, Milsap published his autobiography Almost Like a Song, reflecting on his journey from poverty to country music stardom. He continued collaborating with prominent artists, including Alabama on the 1997 holiday album Christmas in Dixie. His most recent album, Then Sings My Soul, was released in 2009.
With 40 number-one country hits, six Grammy Awards, and eight Country Music Association Awards, Milsap’s legacy was further solidified in 2014 when he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.