Reno's Spotlight - David Ball

Riding With Private Malone

by Ronnie Reno

 

I want to thank everyone for all the great emails and for enjoying the videos we spotlight each month that I think have a positive message and make a difference in our lives.

This month I’m proud to showcase a song from a friend that is from my home state of South Carolina. David Ball is a true believer in the rights we have as Americans and the rights of a free society.  David has had several hits; fourteen of his singles have entered the Billboard charts, including “Thinkin’ Problem” and “Riding with Private Malone,” which made David one of the first artists to take an indie single to the Country Top 5.  He has recorded a total of seven studio albums on different labels, including his certified platinum release “Thinkin’ Problem”.

David grew up in Spartanburg, SC where he learned to play guitar but later honed his skills on the upright bass, which led to a gig playing bass in Uncle Walt’s Band, credited as the first Americana act. The legendary trio was headed by Walter Hyatt and also included Champ Hood. A solo career led David to Nashville where he signed a publishing deal and later, a recording contract.  David won a Grammy® in 2005 for the song “Old Folks At Home (Swanee River)” from the album Beautiful Dreamer - The Songs of Stephen Foster.