On ‘This Man of Mine’, her latest song, Marcia J Ball vents frustration about being in a relationship with a man who is just “killing time”. Written by Dwight Oliver and produced by Trevor Elliott for Musical Ambassador Production, the veteran singer recorded it because she found the lyrics relatable.

‘This Man of Mine’ is the South Florida-based artiste’s first song for 2023. She knows how it feels being in a situation where only one partner is committed.

“Even though I did not write the song I can relate to the words. Many years ago I found myself in a similar situation and I had to get out quickly,” said Ball.

Born in London to Jamaican parents, Ball moved with her family to New York City in the mid-1970s. Musically-active since six years-old, she has recorded a number of singles and five albums, sang harmony for top acts like Marcia Griffiths, and was once a member of Rumbling Express, a show band that included three of her brothers, a sister and uncle.

Rumbling Express backed top reggae artistes passing through the Big Apple during the late 1970s, but disbanded in 1982. Eight years later, Ball’s first song, ‘Tell Me’, produced by her brother George, was released.

After over 40 years in the business, Ball is still hungry for that big hit which she believes is manifested in ‘This Man of Mine’.

“I stay in the game because of the love I have for music. I like to be surprised by the response I receive every time I record or write a song. I would love for all of my songs to be a hit, but I would settle for it to be well-received by the public,” she said.

Most of her recent songs including ‘Moma Said’ and ‘Poor People, Sunny Smile’, are done for South Florida producers such as Ansel Owen and Danny Breakenridge. An acoustic version of Sugar Minott’s ‘Vanity’ was produced by Elliott, a Gainesville, Florida roots veteran best known for his work with Edi Fitzroy.

Ball grew up listening to, and performing with, some the greats of reggae. Although retaining a passion for making music, she is turned off by a lack of respect for veterans and aspirants.

“My disappointments are the way upcoming and seasoned artistes are treated sometimes by the gatekeepers of the music industry and that can be from the record labels to radio personalities,” said Ball, who is currently working on other projects with Elliott.

(Photo contributed by Marcia J. Ball)