Ronnie Milsap Now Spotlighted Three Times Throughout CMHoF

Pictured are (L-R): Gold Mountain Entertainment’s Burt Stein, The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Kyle Young, Ronnie Milsap, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Carolyn Tate and Lisa Purcell. Photo: Rick Diamond.

Ronnie Milsap is now the center of a new exhibit in the Country Music Hall of Fame titled Ronnie Milsap: A Legend in My Time. The music legend and 2014 Hall of Famer now finds himself represented in three spots throughout the museum: one in the permanent collection, another honoring the most recent Hall of Fame inductees and the newest opening, celebrated last night (Feb. 6) during a private gathering of 100+ individuals.

Replacing the Crystal Gayle exhibit, Milsap’s turn in the museum’s spotlight focuses on the flashy outfits, award presentations, a segment of his soundboard from the 80s-90s in braille, and a keytar along with many other artifacts.

Ronnie Milsap. Photo: Rick Diamond.

Last night’s reception for friends, family and colleagues was held upstairs near the museum’s corporate offices where Milsap was recognized for career achievements, prior to today’s public opening (Feb. 5).

“He rose from a childhood fraught with emotional trauma and depravation,” said Museum’s Director and Chief Executive Officer Kyle Young. “You would never know that to meet him. He’s one of the most upbeat human beings on earth. Perhaps the most important measure of Ronnie’s success is his joyful heart. His love of life shines from his core. We’re honored and exceedingly proud to share this new exhibition with our visitors.”

“Jerry Bradley told me after I won Entertainer of the Year at the CMA that one day [I’ll] be in the Hall of Fame,” explained Milsap. “I’m gonna continue to make records, play show dates. I’m thankful my wife Joyce is with me today, she’s been an inspiration in my life. And to quote a song title for all of you here today: ‘What A Difference You’ve Made In My Life’!”

To celebrate the exhibit’s launch, a special conversation with Milsap will be hosted by museum writer-editor Peter Cooper in the museum’s 750-seat CMA Theater, Saturday, Feb. 7, at 2:00 p.m.