Collection:LPB

Genre: Interview

Place Covered: Vinton, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 1998-08-07

Duration: 00:26:11

Subjects: Ball, Marcia | Music | Blues (music) | Singers | Pianists | Writing | Thomas, Irma | Nelson, Tracy | Arts

Contributors:

• Weill, Gus Host
• Ball, Marcia Interviewee

This episode of the series “Louisiana Legends” from August 7, 1998, features an interview with Marcia Ball conducted by Gus Weill. Ball, who grew up in Vinton, is a blues singer and pianist. She discusses: growing up in Vinton; the musicians from the area; Janis Joplin; playing music as a child; her decision to make music her life; her first break in Austin; songwriting; the Louisiana influences on her music; her album with Irma Thomas and Tracy Nelson; finding her own voice; her visits to Vinton; her son’s interest in music; handling discouragement; and the healing aspects of music. The episode also features several performances.