Ronnie Milsap Among Three Inducted Into Country Music Hall Of Fame

Ronnie Milsap performs at the 2012 CMA Festival. Image: Country Music Association

Ronnie Milsap says he’s wanted to be in the Country Music Hall of Fame as long as he can remember. Tuesday, he got his wish. Milsap is among the three latest inductees to the Hall.

Milsap made a name for himself by fusing country sounds with elements of pop and R&B. It’s a formula that led to 40 number one country hits in the 70s and 80s. He also worked as a session pianist for the likes of Elvis Presley. At 71, he still tours and released his latest album earlier this year. At press conference Tuesday, Milsap was overjoyed by the news that he finally got into the Hall of Fame.

“Hey, let the celebration begin,” Milsap exclaimed after he was introduced by up and coming artist Hunter Hayes.

Other inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame include songwriter Hank Cochran, whose string of hits included “I Fall To Pieces.” Folk and bluegrass singer Mac Wiseman-nicknamed “the voice with a heart”-was also honored. A formal induction ceremony and concert for this year’s inductees will take place later this year.