188 – Rodney Edmondson: Drumming For Country Music Legend Ronnie Milsap, Changes in the Music Scene in Nashville

Since the early 1990’s, Rodney Edmondson has been the drummer for award winning singer and piano player Ronnie Milsap. Ronnie Milsap is credited with six Grammy Awards and forty No. 1 country hits. He was selected for induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2014.  Growing up in Virginia, Rodney developed his feel and approach to drumming throughout the 1970’s with local groups that included many styles that prepared him for his eventual move to Nashville. Rodney quickly established himself as a solid musician that could cover many different styles from heavy rock to traditional country. Just before landing the Milsap gig, Rodney was the full time drummer for the traditional country group, The Whites.  Rodney balances his touring with Ronnie with his work at Spectrum Sound Inc. building and designing road cases.   In this episode, Rodney talks about:  * Ronnie Milsap and his history including the time he meet Ray Charles * How Rodney got the gig with Ronnie * Evolving with the gig  * Recordings that Rodney did with Ronnie  * Growing up in Virginia and playing music locally in the 70’s  * Significant changes In the music scene in Nashville