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.

Win a Frankie Ballard Guitar, Phone Call + More by Proving You’re His Biggest Fan

Do you get down to 'A Buncha Girls'? Sob in your room listening to 'Tell Me You Get Lonely'? Are you Frankie Ballard's biggest fan? If you truly love the shaggy-haired country singer, then it couldn't be any easier to enter our contest -- just tell Taste of Country and Frankie Ballard what makes you the biggest fan of them all, and you could win the ultimate prize pack!

Taste of Country Staff

Frankie Ballard Says Time on Tour With Darius Rucker Has Been ‘Unreal’

Frankie Ballard is having the time of his life on tour with Darius Rucker. The newcomer helped the former Hootie and the Blowfish lead singer kick off the run earlier this month along with Rodney Atkins, and he'll keep playing alongside the pair through the end of the month.

Amanda Hensel

Frankie Ballard Gives $1,000 in School Supplies to Nashville Teacher

Last week (October 5), Frankie Ballard made a surprise visit to Nashville's Title 1 elementary school, where he presented an unsuspecting school teacher with an award and $1,000 worth of school supplies in support of OfficeMax's national A Day Made Better event.

Alanna Conaway

Frankie Ballard Reflects on ‘Incredible’ Taylor Swift Tour Backstage at the Opry

Last weekend, Frankie Ballard graced the stage of the prestigious Grand Ole Opry for the third time since his Opry debut back in January. The charming newcomer's year has been on the fast track to fame, as he recently spent time on the road with the legendary Bob Seger and Taylor Swift on her high-profile Speak Now Tour.

Alanna Conaway

Frankie Ballard Rocks Out in New ‘A Buncha Girls’ Video

Frankie Ballard's new 'A Buncha Girls' video is chock-full of electric guitars, cold drinks and of course, scantily-clad ladies -- all of the essentials for a great summer party.

Amanda Hensel

Frankie Ballard’s Years of Hard Work Pay Off With Release of Debut Album

Today (Tuesday, May 24), Frankie Ballard’s self-titled debut album on Warner Music Nashville has hit stores, giving the sexy singer the sense of accomplishing something he’s worked so hard to achieve after winning Kenny Chesney’s ‘Next Big Star’ singing competition in 2008.

Alanna Conaway

Frankie Ballard, ‘Frankie Ballard’ – Album Review

Frankie Ballard is the best thing to come out of Battle Creek, Mich. since the Froot Loop. The country newcomer releases his debut album today, and wears his hometown's blue-collar attitude with enough optimism to deliver a list of songs that feel at once gritty and buoyant. The self-titled project stops short of brilliant, but Ballard shows enough promise to have country fans excited about his fu

Billy Dukes

Frankie Ballard Lives Out Childhood Dream of Flying in a Fighter Jet

If Frankie Ballard wasn't one of country music's hottest stars on the rise, chances are he'd be focused on the sky. "I've always wanted to be a fighter pilot, and I still do," Ballard tells Taste of Country. "I'd want to fly something exciting that had missiles and machine guns, where I could make the jet do flips and turns!"

Alanna Conaway

Frankie Ballard Set to Release Debut Album on May 24

After months of anticipation, Frankie Ballard's self-titled debut album's release date has been set for May 24. The eight-song collection of tunes will include his debut single, 'Tell Me You Get Lonely,' as well as his current hit, 'A Buncha Girls...

Alanna Conaway

Frankie Ballard to Join Bob Seger on Tour

Frankie Ballard's summer is geared up to be a busy one, and now his spring is looking to be the same way! Besides opening the first leg of Taylor Swift's Speak Now World Tour this summer, the newcomer will also be joining rock legend Bob Seger on the road for a string of dates, starting March 29 in Toledo, Ohio.

Alanna Conaway