Jeff and I took an interest in Ronnie Milsap, a blind musician from North Carolina like Jeff, and were amazed to learn his history and the quality and quantity of his work.

Milsap was born blind in Robbinsville, NC in 1943.  His mother almost immediately abandoned him and he was sent to the state school for the blind where his musical nature was discovered and he was given training on a number of instruments.

He considered a law career but instead followed his musical ambition which soon led him to work with artists like Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and Elvis Presley.  He had minor early success recording r&b songs, but it wasn’t until Charley Pride heard him at a night club that he turned back to his country music roots and found commercial success.

Soon Milsap was a country star with a long string of hits, including 40 number ones on the country charts, and many that crossed over to the pop and adult contemporary charts.  He had incredible versatility and vocal chops, and also became a great songwriter.

Ronnie has stayed active and still enjoys good health at the age of 75.  We were fortunate to see him perform several years ago in our home town, Lewistown MT.

Here’s a great video of Ronnie from the heyday of MTV in the 1980’s.  Keep rockin’, Ronnie!