Chesapeake Beach, MD  – As the old country classic goes, “I’d be a Legend in My Time.” That old Don Gibson-penned tune was just one of Ronnie Milsap’s 40 chart-topping country hits and sums up his ongoing career. The 2014 Country Music Hall of Fame inductee performed for over an hour Friday evening, Aug. 5 at Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa as part of their 2016 Rock the Dock series.

The appreciative crowd heard Milsap sing the aforementioned hit from 1974 and many other number ones, several of them being woven into a tight, flawlessly executed medley. The 73-year-old singer still has the chops to effectively vocalize and remains a virtuoso at the keyboards. The veteran performer received lots of assistance from his versatile band.

One of the evening’s highlights was the ensemble’s performance of Milsap’s mid-1980s souvenir “Lost in the Fifties Tonight,” which includes a segment from the Five Satin’s hit, “In the Still of the Night.”

Milsap, a North Carolina native, gave the audience a quick rundown on the origins of his career. Blind since birth, he was enrolled in the Morehead School for the Blind in Raleigh. It was there he developed is skill in music. Milsap went on to work with Ray Charles and Elvis Presley before finding solo success in country music during the early 1970s.

Milsap closed his set with “America the Beautiful.” He urged his audience to vote in the 2016 General Election. “Whatever you do, vote. It’s important. I’ll drive you there myself,” he stated.

Local entertainer John Luskey performed on the band-shell stage prior to Ronnie Milsap’s performance. Luskey’s acoustical set was a blend of covers and original songs. The current Rock the Dock series continues until early September. Coming attractions include The Ultimate Stevie Wonder Experience Thursday, Aug. 11 and Bruce in the USA, a Bruce Springsteen tribute Thursday, Aug. 18. Both of those shows are from 7 to 9 p.m.

Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes are scheduled to perform Aug. 28 and Don McLean will be in concert Sept. 2.

For more information about Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa’s Rock the Dock series visit their web page. 

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com