Country Music

  1. Home
  2. Entertainment
  3. Country Music

Top 10 Top Picks - Essential Ronnie Milsap

From Jolene Downs, for About.com

Ronnie Milsap is a true living legend in country music. He blew onto the charts in the early 70's and cranked out at least two number ones a year into the 1990's. He managed to become the first solo artist in the industry to accumulate an amazing 40 number one hits. He continues to test new grounds with the recent release of his Grammy nominated 'Just For A Thrill' album, which has some of his favorite songs from the standards album. His music has truly made him a household name.

1. 40 #1 Hits

This album is a complete collection of all of Ronnie's #1 hits. While not the only person in the country music field to achieve the status of 40 #1 hits, he is the FIRST person to do it as a solo artist. It will bring back many memories as old favorites come out of the speakers. It takes two CD's to contain this awesome sound, and is over three hours of pleasant listening.

2. The Ultimate Ronnie Milsap

Ronnie's voice is truly amazing. He can sing any style of music and do it well. While he has been successful for over three decades in the country field, he is just as much at home with the Standards or R&B. Listening to the 22 tracks spanning his career, you will appreciate the diversity he gave us while remaining true to his fans.

3. Back to the Grindstone

Back to the Grindstone' was released in 1991, near the end of Ronnie's hold on country music radio. "Since I Don't Have You" was his last number one single. He rocks out with Patti LaBelle on "Love Certified." "Turn that Radio On" didn't go number one but it became a fan favorite and generated heavy airplay. "All is Fair in Love and War" is a fast moving and in your face song that he still does in his live shows today.
Compare Prices

4. Just For A Thrill

Ronnie has loved this music for years, and his love of the music comes through in each and every piece. He gives each song his distinctive style that has made him a legend in the music world. Even though this isn't a country album, fans that would normally not listen to this style of music will love it. It is a must have for any Ronnie fan, and a great way to introduce him to a whole new audience

5. True Believer

Released in 1993, 'True Believer' was Ronnie's only release on Liberty Records after ending his long time association with RCA. Sadly, lack of label promotion robbed fans of hearing some really great Milsap music on the airwaves. With promotion, there could have been at least one more number one for Ronnie, if not more. There are no filler songs, each one can stand on it's own. Out of my extensive Ronnie Milsap collection, this album is in my top five favorites.

6. Live

This is Ronnie's second live album. This project was something he had a lot of fun with, & the end result is great. Ronnie is well known for his high-energy shows and awesome audience connection. He has a great sense of humor, & you can hear the laughter from the audience in between many of the songs.

7. Inside

'Inside' was released in 1982. It spawned three of Ronnie's 40 number one hits. "Inside," "Any Day Now" and "He Got You" went to number one on the charts. There were ten tracks on the album and along with the chart hits, it spawned fan favorites like "I Love New Orleans Music" and "Hate The Lies - Love the Liar." The whole album is really good, and well worth adding to your collection.

8. Lost In the 50s Tonight

Ronnie takes you back to the 50s with hits like "Lost in the 50s Tonight," "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," and "Happy,Happy Birthday Baby."

9. Christmas With Ronnie Milsap

My absolute favorite Christmas album ever is Ronnie Milsap's 'Christmas With Ronnie Milsap.' He released it in 1986 and includes some Christmas standards as well as the spoken "Christmas Thoughts," in which Ronnie talks about what Christmas means to him and his family. His version of "O Holy Night" floors me every time I hear it. "I'll Be Home for Christmas" has always been a favorite. It is just a terrific album that will absolutely put you in the Christmas Spirit.
Compare Prices

10. Stranger Things Have Happened

'Stranger Things Have Happened' was released in 1989. That album spawned the singles "Stranger Things Have Happened," "Woman In Love," "Don't You Ever Get Tired" and "Houston Solution." Of those, only "Houston Solution" did not go to number one. As with all of Ronnie's albums, the songs are great and all of the songs could stand on their own as a single. He doesn't record filler music. Everything he chooses to include on his albums are songs that speak to him musically.

Explore Country Music

About.com Special Features

Country Music

  1. Home
  2. Entertainment
  3. Country Music
  4. Top 10 Lists
  5. Essential Artist Collection
  6. Top Picks - Essential Ronnie Milsap - The Top 10 Ronnie Milsap CDs every fan should have.

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.