Happy Birthday To A Legend In Our Time

It's Ronnie Milsap's 73rd birthday. I was lucky enough to be your host on Wide Open Country today and was able to play just a few of his hits.

I realize that things change. Perhaps progress is the better word. Country music has moved through so many phases including today's "bro country" format. Can Chris Stapleton save it? IF there is anything to save, perhaps he can. Based on it's popularity (and revenue) the hip hoppy style of country music has made it's mark. There is no denying that.

Ronnie Milsap is a perfect example of an artist who was responsible for shaping and "changing" (progressing?) country music.

If you think about it, "Stranger In My House" is more of a rock song than a country song but is one of the most popular country songs of all time. But Ronnie Milsap should be an inspiration to today's stars.

Yes, Ronnie has been able to overcome the struggles of being blind. But the inspiring part about him is how he overcame the struggle of being an artists that does it his own way. I spoke with Ronnie about that a few years ago. The reason Ronnie has lasted so long in an ever changing world of music, and Nashville, has been his creativity and dedication to doing things that are from his soul.

Ronnie Milsap music is timeless because every generation can relate to his emotion and energy and passion through his songs.

If you ask me, that's what is missing from today's stars. MANY of them, not ALL of them.

Making music or releasing songs because it's what you think the audience wants to hear will never produce legendary music.Recording what is trendy may sell records short term but it won't have the legacy that songs like "Smoky Mountain Rain" have.

Even though the sound of country music may ebb and flow, Ronnie Milsap is living proof that when you add passion with  sincere emotion to a song, it can make you a legend in your time!

Here is a video I found of Ronnie performing one of my favorites..."Smoky Mountain Rain."