Country legend Milsap ready for Cape show

After recovering from surgery, Ronnie Milsap said he is excited and ready to perform next week for his fans at Isle Casino Cape Girardeau.

The six-time Grammy Award winner -- with 40 No. 1 hits and one of three musicians who will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame later this year -- postponed his Feb. 16 show at the casino because of health issues. An early sellout of the artist's show prompted a second show; both shows and all previous ticket sales will be honored May 25.

Milsap said in a phone interview with the Southeast Missourian he was hospitalized during the winter to have his gallbladder removed.

"It took a while to get all that worked out and done, but I have been working with a physical therapist to make sure I am getting stronger," he said.

At 71 years old, Milsap says he doesn't see retirement in his future.

"I wouldn't know what to do if I retired," he said. "My band and crew that travel with me have been with me for 30 years. When we come to town and things crank up, it is something else."

He said his fans can expect a lot of energy at his shows.

"It is so gratifying to play to audiences that also produce energy; that makes you sing and perform even better," Milsap said.

In fact, Milsap released a new album in March. He said fans will hear his newest recordings and as many of his top hits he can fit into the show.

His new album features his newest recording and album title tune, "Summer Number 17."

"I came across this song by a young songwriter Sam Hunter and tried it out in the studio," Milsap said. "The rest of the album is remakes of songs that were popular when I was 17."

Milsap, who was born blind, said his blindness has had no effect on his success because he was well trained at a school for the blind in Raleigh, North Carolina.

"I have been so very fortunate to do the kind of work I like to do; I don't need to be able to see to do it," said Milsap, adding that technology allows him to use the computer with synthetic speech and a Braille display to work on music.

Training in classical music at a young age had a huge effect on his life and career, he said.

"I learned Braille at age 6, how to play the violin at age 7 and the piano when I was 8. I still listen to classical music every day; it seems to settle your brain," Milsap said.

A dream came true for Milsap this year when it was announced he would be an inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

"It is something I have definitely thought about and knew it was coming someday. I didn't expect it this year, but I am proud to be a member of that club," he said.

Milsap's country music career began in 1972. With his arrival to Nashville, Tennessee, he brought an R&B and pop vibe to the genre. In 1972, his song "Pure Love" was his first No. 1 hit; he was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1976, took the ACM Male Vocalist of the Year award in 1982 and song of the year in 1985 with his hit "Lost in the Fifties Tonight," according to his website. He has had 49 top 10 songs on the Billboard country charts and has sold more than 35 million albums.

Milsap's shows at Isle Casino Cape Girardeau will be at 7 and 9 p.m. Tickets are still available, and prices begin at $25 for general admission.

skluesner@semissourian.com

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Pertinent address:

777 N. Main St., Cape Girardeau, MO