Ronnie Milsap Breaks His Silence: The Untold Legacy of Friendship and Country Music with Charlie Pride

At 81 years old, Ronnie Milsap stands as one of the last living legends from the golden era of country music—a pianist and singer whose talent shaped the sound of a generation. But behind the fame, the Grammys, and the sold-out tours, Milsap’s journey has been marked by profound loss, resilience, and the kind of friendship that changes everything. Today, for the first time, Ronnie Milsap opens up about the man who helped guide his career, the iconic Charlie Pride, and how their bond transformed not just their lives, but the entire landscape of country music.

Born Ronald Lee Milsap in the small town of Robinsville, North Carolina, Ronnie’s early life reads like the opening chapter of a country ballad—marked by hardship, abandonment, and the struggle of growing up nearly blind. His mother left him as an infant, and he was raised in poverty in the Smoky Mountains until he was sent to the North Carolina State School for the Blind and Deaf at just five years old. It was there, through the late-night broadcasts of country, gospel, and rhythm and blues, that Ronnie discovered a passion for music that would become his salvation.

By age seven, teachers recognized his gift. He studied classical music, learned multiple instruments, and finally fell in love with the piano. But tragedy struck again at 14, when a slap from a house parent cost him the last bit of vision in his left eye. Still, Ronnie pressed on, forming a high school band called The Apparitions and drawing inspiration from legends like Ray Charles, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley.

After earning a scholarship to Young Harris College in Georgia, Ronnie briefly considered law, but music called him back. He joined The Dimensions, a popular R&B band in Atlanta, and played gigs that brought him early local fame. By 1963, he recorded his first single, “Total Disaster,” which sold 15,000 copies thanks to disc jockey Pat Hughes. Success followed, but not overnight. Ronnie signed with Scepter Records, collaborated with Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder, and finally scored his first R&B hit with “Never Had It So Good” in 1965.

Meanwhile, in Sledge, Mississippi, another future legend was forging his own path. Charlie Pride, born into a family of sharecroppers as one of eleven children, dreamed first of baseball stardom. He pitched for the Memphis Red Sox and the Boise Yankees, but injuries sent him down the ranks and eventually to work in a Montana smelter. There, his singing voice began to draw crowds, earning him extra money and the attention of those who saw his true potential.

Pride’s journey to music was unconventional but unstoppable. Encouraged by stars like Red Sovine and Red Foley, he recorded demos, played local clubs, and finally landed a contract with RCA Records in 1965. Despite facing racial barriers, Pride’s talent spoke for itself. His breakout single “Just Between You and Me” soared to number nine on the country charts in 1967, earning him a Grammy nomination and paving the way for eight number-one singles between 1969 and 1971. Pride broke records, shattered stereotypes, and became the first Black performer at the Grand Ole Opry since Deford Bailey.

It was in 1972, at the legendary Whiskey a Go Go nightclub in Los Angeles, that Ronnie Milsap and Charlie Pride’s paths crossed. Pride, already a country star, was in the audience, captivated by Milsap’s performance. Backstage, he offered advice that would change Ronnie’s life forever: focus on country music. That night, Milsap sang “Today I Started Loving You Again,” and the crowd’s reaction—and Pride’s encouragement—set him on a new course.

Through Pride’s introduction, Milsap began working with Pride’s manager, Jack D. Johnson, and signed with RCA Records in 1973. His first country single, “I Hate You,” became a hit, peaking at number ten. The mentorship blossomed into a deep friendship, with Pride inviting Milsap to join him on tour in 1974. This gave Ronnie exposure to country audiences and the opportunity to learn from one of the genre’s biggest stars.

Their relationship was built on mutual respect and empathy. Both men had overcome immense obstacles—Pride as a Black artist in a white-dominated industry; Milsap as a blind musician—and their shared experiences fostered a bond that went beyond music. They collaborated on projects like the 1975 album recorded live at the Grand Ole Opry, featuring other legends like Dolly Parton and Chet Atkins. Though they didn’t record many duets, their connection as part of the RCA family and their collaborative spirit was evident.

As their careers soared, the friendship endured. Milsap admired Pride’s integrity and humility, while Pride respected Milsap’s perseverance and talent. Their camaraderie was well-known among peers, and their bond remained strong, even as life and fame pulled them in different directions.

The passing of Charlie Pride in December 2020, due to complications from COVID-19, was a devastating blow to the country music world—and to Ronnie Milsap personally. Pride’s legacy as country music’s first Black superstar, a pioneer who broke barriers and lifted others along the way, was celebrated by countless artists. Dolly Parton called him “one of my dearest friends,” mourning the loss and the cruelty of the virus. For Ronnie Milsap, the pain was intimate and profound.

“To hear this news tears out a piece of my heart,” Milsap wrote in a heartfelt tribute. “Charlie Pride, a pioneer, a music man, a baseball player, a good friend… Without his encouragement when I was playing at the Whiskey a Go Go, I might never have made it to Nashville. These are such sad days with too much loss. Please, to everyone who’s ever loved, to kiss an angel good morning, mountain of love, or is anybody going to San Anton? Wear a mask, wash your hands, and be wise about gathering. We’ve lost too many, and I just want us all to be here to love each other and the music the way Charlie always did for years to come.”

Milsap’s tribute was more than words—it was a declaration of gratitude to the man who changed his life, a reminder of the power of kindness and support in a world that can be harsh. The connection between Ronnie Milsap and Charlie Pride was more than professional; it was a friendship built on shared struggles, encouragement, and a love for country music that shaped the genre itself.

As fans mourn the loss of Charlie Pride, Ronnie Milsap’s story stands as a testament to the enduring power of friendship, mentorship, and the unbreakable bonds that define true greatness. The legacy of these two icons is not just in their music or their awards, but in the story of how one artist’s belief in another helped create a new chapter in country music history.

Do you admire the bond they shared? It’s clear that Ronnie will remember Charlie for the rest of his life. Share your thoughts in the comments. If this story moved you, please like, share, and subscribe for more untold stories from the heart of music.