It’s an undeniable talent that has taken Ballew from there to the far reaches of the world, where fans always anticipate the humor, honesty and high octane content of his songs.
When you hear the live performance of this internationally seasoned musician, as a solo or with his band “The Damn Good Texas Band” you’ll learn to appreciate the gritty content of his original music, while singing and dancing along with the familiar Texas standards in his set.
He has performed in the spotlight of some of the most prestigious stages in the world, then turned around and poured his heart out night after night in smoky little bars on the wrong side of town.
More than 20 times, Ballew has toured successfully in Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Holland, Denmark, Spain, England and other countries where his performances are almost always sold out.
His unique Texas style has taken him from the Inauguration of Governor George W. Bush in Austin, to the victory party for Salt Lake City’s Olympic Bid Committee in Budapest, to the acclaimed Americana International Music Festival in England.
Michael has made the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 charts three times, scored a #1 hit on the country charts in England and opened shows for Willie Nelson, Michael Murphy, Johnny Bush, Ray Price, Asleep At the Wheel, Steppenwolf, Country Joe & the Fish and Alan Jackson to name a few.
Michael relates the tale of how it happened.
"It's a Guild X375 made in 1957 with push button toggle switches. It's an old Rockabilly guitar that plays like an acoustic, has enough bite to rock like the Stones and then can be as mellow as a solo from Howard Roberts. The three old hand wound single coil pick-ups are one of the reasons it sounds so good.
Plus... it's the coolest looking guitar I've ever seen. 1957 is the same year Plymouth (or was it Chrysler) had a push button gear shift on the dash. I found it at Heart of Texas Music in Austin about 20 years ago."
"They had just put it out and I was probably the first one to pick it up, plug it in and play it. I was hooked from the first note.
I found out it was on consignment against a bill owed by an old friend of mine (no names). So I called him and he told me if I would pay his bill of $400 at the store, I could take it home. Wow !!!"
"But... there was one stipulation. If ever I sold it he would get the first shot at buying it.
Needless to say... It's mine forever."
— MB
2005 Soul of the Heart Productions