Frankie Ballard

Frankie Ballard's authentic country voice and exceptional guitar skills have made him one of the most promising up-and-coming artists in country music. The Michigan native first came to prominence by winning Kenny Chesney's Next Big Star competition in 2008, and signed with Reprise Records in 2010. He released his self-titled debut album in 2011, and promoted two singles from it, but it wasn't until 2014's 'Sunshine & Whiskey' that he really broke through at country radio. He scored hits with the title song, "Helluva Life" and "Young & Crazy," and recently released "It All Started With a Beer," the lead single from his upcoming third studio album, 'El Rio.'

  • Full Name: Frank Robert Ballard IV
  • Birth Date: Dec. 16, 1982
  • Top Songs: “Sunshine & Whiskey,” “Helluva Life,” “Young & Crazy”
  • Did You Know? Ballard played college baseball for Western Michigan University.
9 Important Quotes From Frankie Ballard’s Media Roundtable
9 Important Quotes From Frankie Ballard’s Media Roundtable
Frankie Ballard recently sat down with Taste of Country and select media to talk about his impressive year in 2014, new music, and being the opening act on Florida Georgia Line's Anything Goes Tour. For nearly an hour he brought the room into his life, the life of an opening act. The 'Helluva Life' singer is still very much on his way up, something he's reminded of every day by -- if no one else -- himself.
The Ballad of Frankie Ballard
The Ballad of Frankie Ballard
On certain nights in downtown Battle Creek, the air smells like Apple Jacks. It's most remarkable late at night or early in the morning during the winter months. Sounds of Christmas bounce off the cold concrete as you stand between the Griffin Grill and Pub and a dilapidated 20-story skyscraper that used to house the city's country radio station. Whiffs of baked sugar usher you along an empty one-block stretch of old commercial buildings, many struggling to keep tenants.

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