Ronnie Milsap Sings “Smoky Mountain Rain” To Celebrate His 50th Opry Anniversary
Ronnie Milsap performs at the Opry (Grand Ole Opry / Facebook)
The Opry Celebrates Ronnie Milsap’s 50th Anniversary
In 1976, a 33-year-old Ronnie Milsap was inducted as a new member of the Grand Ole Opry. His career was just beginning, as his debut album was released later that year.
Since then, Milsap has become one of the most successful country “crossover” artists of his era, with a fan base in both the country and pop genres. He has received six GRAMMY awards and has more than 35 No. 1 hits to his name. In the decades since his induction, the “Smoky Mountain Rain” singer has remained an active and consistent member of the Opry.
On Tuesday, February 24th, country stars and fans gathered at the Opry House to celebrate Ronnie Milsap’s 50th anniversary as a member. Blake Shelton, Trace Adkins, Vince Gill, Ella Langley, Keith Urban, and Mark Wills gave tribute performances in honor of the icon.
Ronnie Milsap Performs “Smoky Mountain Rain” At The Opry
The evening would not have been complete without a performance from the guest of honor himself. Now 83 years old, the blind pianist and vocalist showed just why he will forever be a country music legend. His timeless talent shone through his performance of one of his most well-known songs – “Smoky Mountain Rain.”
Watch Ronnie Milsap’s performance from his 50th Opry Anniversary below!
@user1881970601111 Ronnie Milsap celebrating 50th anniversary at the Opry. #ronniemilsapmusic #opry100 ♬ original sound – CeCe
Additional Performances From The Night
Ella Langley, the only artist on the lineup who is not yet an Opry member, took the stage to perform two Ronnie Milsap classics. Her renditions of “I Wouldn’t Have Missed It For The World” and “It Was Almost Like A Song” were a beautiful tribute to the artist she calls “one of her favorites.”
Additionally, Keith Urban performed a cover of “(I’d Be) A Legend In My Time.” The song was originally written and recorded by Don Gibson in 1960. Milsap released his version in 1974, and it became his third career number-one hit. See Keith Urban perform the hit in the video below!
@up2datecountry.live Update: @Keith Urban honors Ronnie Milsap with a cover of “(I’d Be) A Legend in My Time” at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN – Ronnie Milsap is celebrating his 50th year as a Grand Ole Opry member #keithurban #ronniemilsap ♬ original sound – up2datecountry.live
