Hank Ballard

Hank Ballard (November 18, 1927 - March 2, 2003) was an American R&B singer and a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was born in Detroit, Michigan but grew up in Bessemer, Alabama, where he sang in church. In 1951, Ballard moved back to Detroit and formed a doo wop group. He soon joined a group called The Royals, along with Henry Booth, Charles Sutton, Sonny Woods and Alonzo Tucker. The Royals had already signed to Federal Records when Ballard joined, and the group soon released "Get It" (1953), a major R&B hit.

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