David Ball (country music)
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David Ball (born July 9, 1953 in Rock Hill, South Carolina) is an American country musician.
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[edit] Biography
Ball was born into a musical family headed by his father, a Baptist preacher, and his mother, a musician. Later, he moved with his family to Spartanburg, South Carolina, where he was able to persuade his parents to buy him a guitar – a Stella. Having written his first song in seventh grade, he played it in a school talent show with a band he had formed, the Strangers. Afterwards, he played bass in various local youth groups and also the school orchestra. Together with friends, he took part in various bluegrass and country festivals in the Carolinas.
By the time Ball had left high school, he was a proficient stand-up bass player, readily able to adapt to classical, country, bluegrass and swing. He was also a member of Uncle Walt's Band, a trio headed by Walter Hyatt, who relocated to Austin, Texas, in the mid-1970s, in an attempt to make a mainstream breakthrough.
Ball subsequently focused on a solo career, moving to Nashville, Tennessee, where he was signed to a publishing contract. Three singles for RCA Records in the late 1980s failed to provide a solo breakthrough, however, and a projected album was shelved. The experience did at least serve to introduce him to producer Blake Chancey, son of legendary country producer Ron Chancey. In the spring of 1993, Chancey called Warner Bros. Records director Doug Grau on Ball's behalf.
A new recording contract followed. Thinkin' Problem (1994) retained Chancey's services and duly attracted a rapturous reception in the country music press, with its hard-edged realism and taut, emotive delivery. The title track, "Look What Followed Me Home" and "When the Thought of You Catches Up with Me" were the best examples of this material, which placed him firmly within the Hank Williams tradition of resigned but evocative country balladeers. Thinkin' Problem was ultimately certified double platinum. In 1995, Ball was also nominated for a Grammy for Male Vocalist of the Year.
Ball recorded two more albums for the label – Starlite Lounge and Play – without much chart success. However, he had a smash hit with "Riding with Private Malone", from the 2001 album Amigo. Freewheeler followed in 2004, though it was less successful commercially than the 2001 release.
[edit] Discography
- 1994 – David Ball
- 1994 – Thinkin' Problem
- 1996 – Starlite Lounge
- 1999 – Play
- 2000 – Super Hits
- 2001 – Amigo
- 2004 – Freewheeler
[edit] Singles
| Year | Title | Chart Positions | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Hot 100 | US Country | |||
| 1988 | "You Go, You're Gone" | - | #55 | - |
| 1988 | "Steppin' Out'" | - | #46 | - |
| 1989 | "Gift of Love" | - | #64 | - |
| 1994 | "Thinkin' Problem" | #40 | #2 | Thinkin' Problem |
| 1994 | "When The Thought of You Catches Up With Me" | - | #7 | Thinkin' Problem |
| 1995 | "Look What Followed Me Home" | - | #11 | Thinkin' Problem |
| 1995 | "What Do You Want With His Love" | - | #48 | Thinkin' Problem |
| 1995 | "Honky Tonk Healin'" | - | #50 | Starlite Lounge |
| 1996 | "Hangin' In and Hangin' On" | - | #67 | Starlite Lounge |
| 1996 | "Circle of Friends" | - | #49 | Starlite Lounge |
| 1999 | "Watching My Baby Not Coming Back" | - | #47 | Play |
| 1999 | "I Want To With You" | - | #67 | Play |
| 2001 | "Ridin' with Private Malone" | #36 | #2 | Amigo |
| 2004 | "Louisiana Melody" | - | #60 | Freewheeler |
| 2005 | "Too Much Blood In My Alcohol Level" | - | - | Freewheeler |
