From grooving in local juke joints to serenading in the White House, Marcia Ball has never lost her Southern charm.
The Grammy-nominated singer has become well-known for her unique blend of music, often described as a fusion of Texas stomp-rock, blues and New Orleans soul, accompanied by her gospel-tinged voice and exceptional piano skills.
Growing up in Louisiana with a family of musicians, Ball said she was exposed to playing piano and listening to soulful music at a young age.
“I always heard great music coming up,” she said. “It was in my family.”
Ball and her band performed a concert at the Louisiana Earth Day event on Sunday, where a boisterous crowd danced and cheered in anticipation of the band’s set.
A regular on the live performance scene, Ball said she felt at home.
“I’m glad to be back in Baton Rouge,” she said before taking the stage.
Ball said she realized her passion for music when she came to the University in 1966, a time she described as a “musical revolution.” In college, Ball joined her first band, a psychedelic rock-and-roll group called Gum.
“Everything was changing,” she said. “We all figured out we can be in a band if we wanted to. It wasn’t all that hard. We thought if the Rolling Stones could do it, we could, too.”
Ball left the University in 1968 to pursue a full-time career in music, a decision she said she would not recommend to aspiring musicians. But Ball beat the odds in 1970 by becoming one of the lead vocalists of progressive country band Freda & The Firedogs, under the stage name “Freda.”
In 1974, Ball launched her solo career with a more soulful edge.
“I’ve played rock’n’roll. I’ve played country. I’ve really played all kinds of different music … but what I knew most was R&B,” she said.
Forty years and 15 albums later, Ball still remains a force in rhythm and blues music. She received her fifth Grammy nomination for her latest effort, “Roadside Attractions,” the first album where she wrote or co-wrote every song.
Ball’s musical influences range from rock’n’roll pianist Jerry Lee Lewis to blues singer Ray Charles, artists she said were popular during her time. Ball said she also pulls inspiration from music legends Fats Domino, Professor Longhair and James Booker.
Her chief vocal inspiration is fellow Louisiana-raised singer Irma Thomas, who she duetted with on her first Grammy-nominated album, “Sing It!”
Ball said she always enjoys her time at the award ceremony, humbly describing it as a great time to interact with other professionals in the music industry.
“It is very exciting,” she said. “You see everybody in the world.”
With an extensive career in music, Ball has recently been venturing into other areas of entertainment. She and her band will be featured in an upcoming episode of HBO’s hit show, “Treme.” Ball said she felt relaxed during filming and enjoyed her time on set.
“They are so natural about the way they approach things,” she said. “It was very comfortable to shoot.”
Ball will also be featured in the upcoming movie “When Angels Sing,” alongside country singer Willie Nelson.
For now, she plans to continue writing and recording music for her next album, as well as touring and performing at various music festivals around the country.
Her next stop will be in New Orleans to perform in concert series Wednesday At the Square on May 2 and again on May 4 for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
 
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Contact David Jones at [email protected]