Hank Ballard Article Index for
Hank
Website Links For
Hank
 

Information About

Hank Ballard




The Royals' first major hit was "Work With Me Annie," a R&B hit that also sold well in mainstream markets, along with the Answer Song "Annie had a Baby." The group changed its name to The Midnighters to avoid confusion with The "5" Royales . Their next major hit was "Sexy Ways," a song that cemented the band as one of the most risque groups of the time. This was to be the last major hit for The Midnighters. Sutton was replaced by Lawson Smith , while Thrasher was replaced by Sonny Woods . Tucker was replaced first by Arthur Porter and then Cal Green .

In 1959 , Ballard's " The Twist " was released as a B-side for "Teardrops on Your Letter." Chubby Checker then took "The Twist" to #1 twice. Though this brought about The Midnighters-renaissance that lasted only a few years. The group dissolved in 1965 . Ballard tried to launch a solo career, working with James Brown . Though he later tried to reform The Midnighters, the new line-ups never achieved much success.

On March 2 , 2003 Ballard died of throat cancer in his Los Angeles home.


QUOTATION

  • "If you're looking for youth, you're looking for longevity, just take a dose of rock 'n' roll. It keeps you going. Just like the caffeine in your coffee. Rock 'n' roll is good for the soul, for the well being, for the psyche, for your everything. I love it. I can't even picture being without rock 'n'roll." - Hank Ballard




The Midnighters was a Southern California group of Chicano Rock ers.