Association With The King of Rock n’ Roll
During his time in Memphis, Ronnie Milsap had the opportunity to work with record producer Chips Moman. Moman was the one who produced Elvis Presley’s “comeback” sessions that yielded hits like “Suspicious Minds.” Ronnie Milsap also played the piano on Presley’s version of Glen Campbell’s “Gentle On My Mind.” Not only that, but he also sang as a backup singer on “Kentucky Rain.” Being acquainted with the “King of Rock n’ Roll,” it was appropriate for him to record his first two No. 1 hit on Elvis Presley’s 39th Birthday on the same studio in Nashville where Elvis recorded “It’s Now Or Never,” “Are You Lonesome Tonight,” and many more.
One of the hits written by Kris Kristofferson is “Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends.” He wrote the hit in a single evening. It is about a relationship he knew would never last. The first artist to record it was Bobby Bare which he took to No. 8 back in 1971.
Remaking the Hit
Ronnie Milsap already recorded “Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends” back when he was still with Warner Bros. Records. However, Warner Bros. holds the song for five years. After Ronnie Milsap signed a new contract with RCA Records, the plan of re-recording “Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends” were being made. Moreover, RCA was required to get a release from Warner Bros. to remake the song.
Ronnie Milsap surprised his new producer, Tom Collins by improvising an effective falsetto lick on “Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends.” Collins was inevitable that the latest version of the song would stand out. Ronnie was just making a breakthrough to be known nationally. He recorded the song live with a band.
Debuting at the No. 84 spot on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles Chart, “Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends” reached the No. 1 spot after eight weeks. Not being a one-hit-wonder, Ronnie Milsap won the award for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Male. He finished his hit-generating career with his final chart-topper in 1989, “A Woman In Love.” Totally, he made 35 No. 1 hits making him the fourth on the all-time list behind the king, George Strait’s 44, Conway Twitty’s 40 and Merle Haggard’s 38.
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bobby bare, kris kristofferson, ronnie milsap