Frankie Ballard Returns to the HAWK Sunday

Hawk listeners are still talking about the HAWK Toyota Country Lights Festival that brought some of the best country sounds to downtown Binghamton last month.  It was a magical night and we thank you again for the outpouring of positive response.  It truly was an amazing night when Frankie Ballard hit the stage at NYSEG Stadium.

Good news Frankie fans!  We are hours away from Frankie takes over a HAWK weekend, featuring a 3 hour special appearance Sunday night at 7 on Country Countdown USA.

In addition to headlining an awesome solo show in Binghamton, Frankie Ballard has been on the road all year with Florida Georgia Line, and he told Lon Helton he's learned a lot: "It's such a blessing, every show is packed with screaming country fans, and I get to go out and try to steal 'em, so it's great.  They're at that point where everybody's excited to see what they're all about, so they're coming out in droves.  It's a fun tour to be a part of."

So what's it like hanging out backstage with Brian and Tyler? "I didn't know those guys well going into this tour, and I feel like I've made friends for life. What you see and what you hear on stage is really who they are, and that's why it works.  They're being honest to who they are, and that's why it's so big."

Frankie's in the Top 5 this week with "Young & Crazy."  He told Lon that it's a song he's lived: "I kind of hurt myself earlier this year doing a stage dive, and it ruined my golf game, cause my shoulder's messed up.   So now I have a story to tell my grandchildren, 'when I was your age, I jumped off the stage and separated my shoulder so you shouldn't do that.'  I've gone down that road, I've lived it, and I can now offer it to the next generation."

In addition to Florida Georgia Line, Frankie has made some close friends in country music.  One of the first friends he had was Jake Owen. "Jake & I have a deep catalogue relationship.  When I first moved to town, he was one of the first artists I met, and he'd offer advice if I needed it."

Frankie confessed that he's a huge Elvis Presley fan, and recently played a benefit in Memphis where he got to meet country legend and Elvis confidante T.G. Sheppard.  This weekend is the 38th anniversary of the passing of Elvis, so Frankie shared a few stories about The King:

Frankie also has great stories this week about Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini, Chris Janson, Thomas Rhett, and Michael Ray.

Listen for CMT Country Countdown USA Sunday night 7-10pm on 98.1 The Hawk, on line at 981TheHawk.com or download the free app Radio Pup HERE and take the Hawk along wherever your smart phone or tablet takes you!