You may know the music, but how well do you know the man behind it? Ronnie Milsap is a country music legend with a staggering 40 No. 1 hits, but Ronnie the person is just as impressive.

His parents lived in extreme poverty and when his mother found out Ronnie had been born blind, she gave him up, embarrassed to have a sightless child. Almost immediately he showed an aptitude for music, and by the age of 8 he was declared a violin virtuoso. He also mastered guitar, piano and other instruments.

It wasn’t long before rock ‘n roll worked its way into his life, and by 1971, he fell in love with country music. In 1976 he had become a superstar with six consecutive No. 1 singles. Soon after, he was awarded a Grammy, a host of Country Music Awards and more No. 1 hits.

Today, Ronnie is 74 years old and back with his first gospel music release, “Then Sings My Soul.”

Click here to meet others who have overcome obstacles in life.

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— Donna Fargo
— Charley Pride
— Naomi Judd
— Mel Tillis
— Brenda Lee
— Larry Gatlin