RONNIE MILSAP

Ronnie Milsap was born January 16, 1943, in Robbinsville, North Carolina. A congenital disorder left him almost completely blind. Abandoned by his mother as an infant, he was raised by his grandparents in the Smoky Mountains until the age of five, when he was sent to the Governor Morehead School for the Blind in Raleigh, North Carolina. During his childhood he lost his remaining vision, and both his eyes were eventually removed.Throughout his childhood, he was interested in music—particularly the late-night broadcasts of country music, gospel music, and rhythm and blues.

When he was seven years old, his instructors began to notice his musical talents. Soon afterward he began studying classical music formally and learned several instruments, eventually mastering the piano. Within the next few years he also developed a passion for rock and roll music.

In December 1972, Milsap relocated to Nashville after a chance meeting with country music star Charley Pride who was in the audience for a Milsap gig at the nightclub Whiskey A-Go-Go. Pride was impressed with Milsap's singing and encouraged him to change course and focus on country music. Milsap began working with Pride's manager, Jack D. Johnson, and was signed to RCA Records in 1973.

He is credited with six Grammy Awards and forty No. 1 country hits, third to George Strait and Conway Twitty. He was selected for induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2014.

In November 2014, Milsap announced he would embark on a final concert tour. "You get to a place where you still have your health, but you know it's not given," explained Milsap. "I've been blessed with so many great songs, so many wonderful memories and stories -- and some of the very best fans in the business. Before I get to a place where it's not a celebration of the music, I want to go out and play all these hits for the people who love them as much as I do."

So, the concert in Branson last Sunday night was the last time Ronnie Milsap will be performing in Branson.  I bought tickets.  I love Ronnie Milsap music. 

I saw him in H-town back in the 80's when he was at the height of his success and it was an awesome concert.  He is blind, but he is definitely not hindered by that. His voice may not be as strong as it once was, but he can still play the heck out of the piano.  He played most all of his hit songs and people in the audience were singing along.  It was an awesome night.

Janie Fricke was the opening act.  Janie was a popular country music female singer in the 1980s.  She got her start singing jingles for commercials, she moved on to singing back-up for other artists, and eventually became Country Female Vocalist of the Year in 1982 and 1983.

It was great being able to see Ronnie Milsap and Janie Fricke.  It brought back so many good memories of so many great songs.  I LOVED it.

The concert was at the Moon River Theater.  I will say that the theater needs some help before they have a concert of this caliber there again.  They only had 1 door that you could enter AND there was only 1 mens' room and 1 ladies' room that you could use.  This was a sold out concert and the place seats 2000 people.  Not good.  I will think long and hard before I go to that theater again.

So, all in all, great night.  If you were a fan of country music in the 1980s and if Ronnie Milsap comes to a town near you on his farewell tour, go see him.  You will be glad you did.

Janie Fricke with Mo Bandy.  Mo is another country music singer from the 80s.  This was a surprise visit.  Mo Bandy and Joe Stampley are appearing together in Branson next weekend.

Janie Fricke

Ronnie Milsap singing and playing the piano.

Ronne Milsap at the end of the concert.