Ronnie Milsap

I'm sorry in advance for this being so long, but there is a really cool concert story from last night, I promise!

Went to the fair last night. Ronnie Milsap performed for a little over an hour and a half. I don't listen to much country music, but the concert was very enjoyable. He talked about how he went to the school for the blind and how his educators at the college he later attended told him he could never be a musician. Shortly thereafter, he traveled to Atlanta, Georgia to a Ray Charles concert. His pilot got him into his dressing room. Ray Charles walked in and heard him playing his piano. He was so moved by it that he wanted to play with Milsap. He told Milsap, "Play me something." So he did and Mr. Charles said, "It sounds to me like your heart is really into music, and if that is the case then you ought to become a professional musician."

With Ray's approval, Ronnie returned to his school, telling those there that Ray Charles said he could do it. His school, however, were still of the belief that he could not. In spite of their firm beliefs, he pursued his dream of music which led to 40 number one albums and 6 Grammy wins. You've gotta admire someone who rises above the hardships of their affliction and people telling them "they can't" and who actually succeed.

He played all his old hits, and even covered a song from the fifties. At just 13 feet away from Mr. Milsap and his piano, I got some good pictures. I will try to upload them this evening as well as the video footage and pictures from last night's bird show. Next Saturday at the fair will be reserved for carnival rides; after the show ended, the ticket lines were too long and it was approaching closing time. I look forward to next week, however, and will have more to share. :)