Ronnie Milsap Tribute at the Grand Ole Opry: Celebrating 50 Years of Country Music Excellence
Ronnie Milsap, a country music legend, is set to be honored with a special tribute at the Grand Ole Opry to celebrate his 50 years as a member. The event, scheduled for Feb. 24, will feature performances by top artists such as Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Vince Gill, Trace Adkins, and Mark Wills. More artists are expected to be announced for the show in the coming weeks. The tribute is described as an unforgettable moment commemorating Ronnie Milsap's five decades as part of the Opry family.
During the tribute event, the performers will showcase songs from Milsap's extensive catalog, which includes hits like "Smoky Mountain Rain" and "I Wouldn't Have Missed It for the World." With six GRAMMYs and over 35 No. 1 hits, Milsap's musical legacy is truly remarkable. Despite being blind since birth, Milsap achieved significant success in the '70s and '80s, leading to his induction into the Opry in 1976 and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2014.
In addition to his past achievements, Milsap continues to make music, with recent releases like The Duets in 2019, featuring collaborations with artists such as Luke Bryan, Dolly Parton, and Willie Nelson. His latest album, A Better Word for Love, was released in 2021. The tribute event will not only celebrate Milsap's illustrious career but also look towards the future as the Opry introduces the NextStage class of 2026, a program aimed at nurturing emerging artists and shaping the future of country music.
Launched in 2019, the NextStage program utilizes the Opry's rich history and iconic stage to showcase new talent and engage with diverse audiences. Each year, a group of promising artists is selected to represent the next generation of country music stars. Past NextStage class members include Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, and Parker McCollum. The program has already produced 42 No. 1 hits, highlighting its impact on the industry. The upcoming tribute to Ronnie Milsap promises to be a memorable evening honoring a country music icon while also shining a spotlight on the future of the genre.