Marcia Ball announces her retirement after being diagnosed with ALS

The legendary Texas-born blues singer, pianist, and songwriter Marcia Ball has announced her retirement from touring and live performances. A five-time Grammy nominee and a cornerstone of the American blues scene, the 75-year-old artist revealed that she has been diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease).

In an emotional message, Marcia Ball explained that she has been struggling in recent months with vocal issues that have prevented her from singing as she used to. She also confirmed the cancellation of all her scheduled concerts, adding that she will undergo treatment at the University of Texas in San Antonio. Despite the diagnosis, the musician remains characteristically optimistic…

“I recently learned that I have ALS. It’s difficult news to share, but I wanted to tell my family, friends, fans, and fellow musicians. I may not be able to perform anymore, but I will continue to support the music community and go out to hear live music every chance I get.”

A Legend of American Blues

Born in 1949 in Orange, Texas, and raised in Vinton, Louisiana, Marcia Ball grew up in a musical family where the piano reigned supreme. Deeply inspired by an Irma Thomas concert in 1962 and by the genius of Professor Longhair, she developed her own unmistakable style — an irresistible blend of New Orleans piano, Louisiana swamp rock, and Texas blues.

After releasing her first album on Capitol Records in 1978 (Circuit Queen), she went on to record a series of acclaimed albums for Rounder Records before joining Alligator Records in 2001, becoming one of the label’s flagship artists. Her discography has earned her 11 Blues Music Awards, 14 Living Blues Awards, and 5 Grammy nominations.

Marcia Ball has been inducted into the Gulf Coast Music Hall of Fame, the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, and the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame. In 2018, she was named the official Texas State Musician.

Always passionate about collaboration, she joined Sonny Landreth at KNKX Seattle Studios in 2020 for a stunning rendition of “Walking Blues.”

A Natural Storyteller

Her energetic piano playing and warm, soulful voice have always brought to life vivid characters and images of the American South. The Boston Globe called her “a compelling storyteller,” while The New York Times praised her “two-fisted New Orleans piano and husky, knowing voice.”

As she closes the touring chapter of her life, Marcia Ball leaves behind an immense legacy — that of a woman who perfectly embodied the meeting of Texas fire and Louisiana soul. In Louisiana 1927, from her album Let Me Play With Your Poodle, she paid heartfelt tribute to her roots and to the Southern spirit where blues meets joy and resilience. We wish her strength and serenity as she faces this new challenge.

Supporting ALS Research

In honor of Marcia Ball and everyone affected by this disease, Blues Actu encourages readers to support ALS research and patient assistance by donating to ARSLA (Association pour la Recherche sur la Sclérose Latérale Amyotrophique).

👉 Donate here: https://don.arsla.org/