Ball Brothers are best friends, just having fun singing for the Lord

If you were at last year’s Ball Brothers concert in Niceville, you saw three brothers on stage. This year, you’ll see four.

“Since last year, our younger brother, Josh, has moved from running sound to singing on stage,” Daniel Ball told The Log. “So all four brothers are on stage the whole time now.”

The brothers will make their third appearance for American Gospel Ministries during a free concert at 6 p.m. Sept. 6 at First Baptist Church, 622 Bayshore Drive in Niceville. Pre-concert, offertory and intermission music will be conducted by Destin pianist Ron Starling. A love offering will be received.

People at the concert can expect to hear some familiar songs from the four pastor’s kids, mixed with new ones from the group’s “Simplified” project.

“The two goals of our ministry are to share the message of the gospel through music and to see believers encouraged through the music, stories and comedy,” Daniel said.
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Andrew, the oldest brother, sings tenor and loves writing new music that sounds like the old days.

“I started singing when I was 5 years old and have never stopped (I’m sure my parents wished I would have a time or two),” Andrew said. “Even through my teenage years, when singing wasn’t the ‘cool’ thing to do, I kept on and have never regretted it. Whenever I get a chance to talk to young people I always try to encourage them to live right and do right, even if it seems you’re the ‘only one.’ When you get older (not that I’m that old) you’ll look back and say ‘I made the right choice and I’m glad I did.’”

Daniel, second-born, sings lead, chooses the songs to sing each night, does most of the talking during the concerts and takes care of 90 percent of the driving.

His advice for teenagers is to stay close to the Lord and to your parents.

“Don’t wait for sometime in the future to serve the Lord,” Daniel said. “Serve him now. Stay busy doing the Lord’s work and you won’t have much time to get in trouble.”

Stephen, baritone and in charge of the group’s finances, says it takes a lot of bookwork to keep a full-time group on the road.

“I got saved when I was 7 years old and my dad was the one who led me to the Lord,” Stephen said. “I’m so blessed to be raised in a Godly family and to have the parents that I have. I don’t think a day goes by where I don’t wake up and thank God for the wonderful people he has put in my life. My goal in life is to serve God with all my heart every day without exception.”

Youngest brother Joshua was in charge of running the sound, but now has joined his brothers on stage.

“I love to travel, spend time with my family and play almost any kind of sport, even if I’m not any good at it,” Josh said. “Basketball is my favorite sport. I like to take a mission’s trip at least once a year. It is always one of my year’s highlights. The Lord has given me the privilege of being in 14 different countries.”
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Upcoming events for The Ball Brothers include their first Christmas tour and the release of a Christmas project this fall. In September, the group will sing in the Featured Artist Showcase at the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, Ky.

“We’re really excited about the growth of our ministry despite the economic situation,” Daniel said.

The brothers are best friends, and the bond they share is an integral part of their unique musical blend. From Chicamauga, Ga., they started singing specials in church at the ages of 2, 4, 6 and 8.

“We have carefully crafted a program combining several musical styles that will appeal to a wide-ranging audience,” Daniel said.

“When people leave our concerts, our goal is to see them encouraged and uplifted. We have fun doing what God has called us to do.”