Ronnie Milsap

By Staff, 04/29/17 11:55 AM

Hope— Hempstead Hall hosted the Ronnie Milsap concert Friday, April 28. Tonights concert ticket purchases went to support the Lions Club of Arkansas. Upon arriving to the concert the parking lot was full; people were arriving in cars and some arriving in style in limousines. When you entered Hempstead Hall you were greeted by ushers directing you in the right direction to your seat. Ronnie Milsap merchandise was set up for sell in the lobby.

As he was being introduced the screen above the stage showed all of the album covers while playing small segments of his works. He started the night out with the song Prisoner of the Highway. After singing a few songs he introduced his director Jamie Brantley who was also the electric guitarist for his band, Mr. Brantley then proceeded to introduce the rest of the band members.

At the age of thirteen Milsap realized that he wanted to become a professional classical music performer after attending a Ray Charles concert. He got to go back stage at the Ray Charles concert and even played a song for him and Ray Charles stated that he could see the talent he had and how much he enjoyed playing. Today Mr. Milsap is still recording, he stated that this past week he was in the studio with the country music group Little Big Town.

He ended the night with his most well known hit Smokey Mountain Rain followed by a tribute to those fighting for our country and those who are in law enforcement protecting the United States by singing America the Beautiful, which ended with everyone in the auditorium standing while giving applause followed by a standing ovation to end the show.