Marcia Ball

“Fifty years have passed in a flash,” reflects pianist, songwriter, and vocalist Marcia Ball of her illustrious career. Nevertheless, Ball, the 2018 Texas State Musician of The Year, has garnered worldwide fame and an extensive fan base. Moreover, she is revered for her knack to ignite a full-scale roadhouse party every time she graces the stage.

Hailing from Orange, Texas and raised in Vinton, Louisiana, Ball’s deep Acadian heritage and lifelong immersion in Gulf Coast rhythm and blues are palpable in both her original compositions and her choice of classics to cover. Consequently, this unique blend has endeared her to music enthusiasts worldwide. Furthermore, her reputation as a profoundly soulful singer, a remarkably skilled pianist, and a daring, inventive songwriter continues to flourish. Ultimately, her love of performing live has led to decades of deeply satisfying appearances at festivals, concert halls, and clubs.

Ball’s most recent album, Shine Bright (2018), stands as a testament to her musical prowess and resilience. It represents the most musically substantial, hopeful, and uplifting collection of songs in her five-decade career.

Marcia Ball has graced national television screens numerous times over the years. Noteworthy appearances include the PBS special In Performance At The White House, Austin City Limits, and Treme. Additionally, she featured in Piano Blues, a film directed by Clint Eastwood, which was part of Martin Scorsese’s The Blues series aired on PBS nationwide in 2003. Furthermore, Ball also made a memorable appearance on The Late Show With David Letterman with The New Orleans Social Club, reaching millions of viewers while aiding victims of Hurricane Katrina. In 2012, she had a role in the film Angels Sing, starring Harry Connick, Jr., Lyle Lovett, and Willie Nelson. Moreover, in 2017, she showcased her talent on NPR’s A Jazz Piano Christmas, performing live from The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.