Billy Ball, the son of a share cropper, was born near "Dothan", Alabama. His family was so poor that, as a kid, he kept hickory nuts between his toes, to make it sound like he was wearing shoes. Billy acquired a taste for country music by listening to the "Grand Ol' Opry", thru the window, on the neighbor's radio. After high school, he entered the military and, while stationed overseas, learned to play guitar and keyboard.
Later, Billy became an air traffic controller at "Los Angeles Center", until he retired in 1999. In the mid-eighties, he opened the "Calico Saloon & Dance Hall", in Lancaster, California. As a saloon owner and operator, he met and became friends with many of the top singers & musicians in Southern California. During this time, he also began writing lyrics, and after much encouragement, decided to make this album.
Billy currently resides near Virginia City, Nevada, but still considers "Alabama" his home.
Many of Billy's songs are ballads, based on life experiences, such as; "This Old Marine", "Eddie", and (we're no longer a)"We". His love of home and country inspired tunes like; "Alabama", and "Harley Davidson Man", although the latter was partially written by his brother, Edward "Red" Ball.
Billy's humor and ability to laugh at himself,
and everyday events are evident in "Country Music,(backwards)", "Countin' License Plates", "Go Figure", and "Half the Two-Step". If you've ever had your heart broken, (Billy has), you'll appreciate "Almost", "Her Blue Eyes", and "No one says it better (than George Jones)".
Acknowledgements go to "Brad" Swanson, of "Swansound Music" And Howard Yearwood, one of the best musicians in the business. Brad played drums and provided technical advice and service, while Howard played guitar, and was
very "instrumental" (excuse the pun), in the production of this album. Many thanks guys, you made it happen.
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