Clint Ballard, Jr.
May 24, 1931 - December 23, 2008
Songwriter Clint Ballard, Jr. composed several chart-topping hits during his career that have endured since the 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s. Among these are Wayne Fontana & The Mindbender’s “The Game of Love” and Linda Ronstadt’s “You’re No Good” – both of which still enjoy wide acclaim and success.
Clint was born on May 24, 1931 in El Paso, TX, where he first earned attention at the age of 3 as a child prodigy for his skill on the piano. His love of music continued throughout his high school and college years, as he played for different bands. After graduating from Texas Western College, where he earned a degree in radio production, Clint relocated to New York City. He worked as a pianist in nightclubs while he pursued his passion in songwriting. In 1957 he agreed to become the manager for The Kalin Twins, and wrote their debut “Jumpin’ Jack.” Their follow-up “When”, which Clint co-wrote with Paul Evans, entered U.S. Top Ten charts and topped charts in Britain. In 1958 Clint wrote “Ev’ry Hour, Ev’ry Day of My Life” for singer Malcolm Vaughan, and quickly followed-up with the Top Ten “Gingerbread” by Frankie Avalon. In addition to composing, Clint took interest in discovering new talent. He is credited with promoting Kenny Young who went on to co-write the Drifter’s smash “Under the Boardwalk.”
Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders, hailing from Manchester, took Clint’s hit “The Game of Love” to the top of the charts in the US and Britain in 1965. Clint continued to collaborate with different artists throughout the years, and enjoyed much success with the bands of the British Invasion – such as The Zombies and the Hollies. In fact, he composed the number one smash “I’m Alive” for the Hollies. In 1975 – Linda Ronstadt’s version of his classic “You’re No Good” rose quickly to the number 1 spot on Billboard pop charts.
Clint died in Denton, TX on December 23, 2008. He is loved and remembered by his friends and family, and his music has endured the ages.
