Blues legend announces retirement following ALS diagnosis
Five-time GRAMMY-nominated artist Marcia Ball has announced her retirement from touring and performing after being diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Ball shared that she will be spending time in treatment and under her doctor’s care, but assured fans she will continue to support the music community, saying she’ll be “out listening to music every chance I get.”
Ball released the following statement:
As many of you may know or have heard, over recent months, I have been struggling with voice issues and have not been able to perform as I have always done. This has been frustrating for me since performing with my band and my musical friends has been my life.
So, I must now share this with my fans and friends: I had a visit to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN recently, and I have finally received some answers, though not the ones I had hoped for. I have ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), and I need to share that with my family, friends, fans and many music collaborators and associates.
The support I have received from Kurland, my booking agency, my record label, Alligator Records, all the hundreds of venues I have played at over the decades along with the thousands of fans I have met and become friends with over so many years has been a real joy.
It is impossible to predict how this ALS diagnosis will impact my life fully. At this early stage however, I know that performing is something I can no longer do. I can’t sing.
Sadly, I have canceled all the shows I had confirmed for the foreseeable future. The absolute last thing I want to do is to cancel shows. My sincere apologies.
I will be entering a treatment program at UT San Antonio, and I am hopeful that the progression of symptoms is slow to appear. ALS has no known cure at this time, but there are a few drugs that may be prescribed.
My family, circle of friends, and band mates are providing me support as this news sinks in. Adjustments will be necessary but one thing that won’t change is my love and support for the music community, and you can be sure I will be out listening to music every chance I get.
Thank you for your understanding and allowing me the time and space I need to make these unexpected life adjustments.
Ball’s decades-long career has made her one of blues and roots music’s most celebrated performers. Known for her soulful voice, piano mastery, and vibrant live shows, she has been a leading force in American roots music since the 1970s. Her blend of Texas roadhouse boogie, Louisiana blues, and swampy R&B earned her five GRAMMY nominations, 11 Blues Music Awards, and a devoted following around the world.
Prayers for you in your journey. Thanks for the music.
I have been aware of this horrible disease since I saw the movie pride of the Yankees .as a 12 year old kid. I’m 67 now and as far as I know nothing has come to a cure.my God lou gergige died in the late 30 s I believe. That far to long and no cure after what 90 years. I wonder just how effective the medical.system is? Not very.
On June 2, 1941, Henry Louis Gehrig—one of baseball’s greatest hitters and most durable athletes—died of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis at the age of 37 years.
My uncle died of this terrible disease in the 70’s. Unfortunately the diagnosis that Lou Gehrig received in 1939 would be the same today.
Remind me to never invite you to any party I’d be holding….
You are so cheerful….😕
William,
Id like to explain my reaction to your comment…I feel there must always be hope. If not, then why even begin a journey. I personally don’t know much at all about this horrible sickness…but I’d truly hope there would be progress since 1939. Let’s keep our hearts and minds open and hopeful.
There is a wonderful book “Tuesdays With Morrie” which tells the story about a man who had this terrible disease
The book is written by Mitch Albom
One of my all time favorites
Yes! That book was beautiful and sad at the same time. One of my all-time favorites in my 69 years on this Earth.
Wow, you’re a special kind of jerk.
I’m sure they’re doing their best, it doesn’t help to denigrate them.
Your simple statement “I can’t sing” is so sad. You didn’t say you can’t play the piano, so I hope you still can for yourself. I’m a photographer and only met and got to see you as such, with Christine Albert. I almost immediately began showing a similar grey streak in my hair. I know, such a superficial thing, but you influenced my look for the last 20 years and I’m old now. My mother was a piano teacher and very gifted, so I grew up with piano music. You are one of the BEST EVER. Devastated by your diagnosis, I hope you can play and enjoy your piano for a long time. Best wishes for slow development.
No cure yet but we can continue to pray and hope.
If you only knew the complexities that the
” medical system ” is dealing with…
La naturaleza biológica y genética de todos los seres vivos es tan compleja q más bien debemos considerar q la medicina en el tiempo ha sido MUY efectiva pues se ha encontrado cura para miles de enfermedades, síndromes, malformaciones y epidemias.
*ENGLISH ! – Por Favor Hombre !!
No disease has ever been cured. We’ve made large advances in treatments and vaccines are the greatest medal miracle we’ve achieved, but we’ve never cured anything.
🙏Prayers
Praying for love, peace and comfort as you face this, Marcia. You mean so much to all of us. We’re with you! 💙🩵💙🩵💙🩵💙🩵
So sorry. We have enjoyed many of your performances over the years.
God bless you, Marcia. Love from the entire Trahey family. We will be praying for you and your family.
Have thoroughly enjoyed your creativity and magnificent voice! Thank you for all your heartfelt contributions over the years. We will keep you in our thoughts as you continue this journey.
Marcia’s music has given us so much joy for so many years, and we are thankful for that. We hope it goes well for her and her family.
Wishing you the best in treatment ànd continue your journey in the music community best wishes 🙏💯🍎
How many Marcia Ball shows we have been too since the Seventies is hard to figure out. From New Orleans to California when she came to play we were there. From Jimmys in New Orleans to the Belly Up in Solana Beach in SoCal her playing soulfulness and the Marcia Ball “ sound” brought a rockin good time to all of us. Let’s send positive vibes that she can beat this.
My father died from complications from ALS. There are no known cures and no “beating this”. Just living out your days in as high of life state as you can.
Prayers for you and your family, Marcia…we’ve enjoyed your shows over the years…you always knew you were in for a good time at your shows, many heartfelt thank you’s! God Bless!
I love seeing you on stage and showing us ladies how women rock too💕. Such an inspiration to us all … you gotta be thee. Sending gratitude respect .
My heart is breaking at the news. Love you so much and am praying for you on your journey. Love your music and all your contributions to the music community and the world. Take care sweetheart. ❤️🙏🥰
Sending light and love to you on this very difficult journey. You have brought so much joy thru your music! Wishing for the best with your treatment.
You have brought so much Joy over the years to me and mine, thank you. May the good lord bless and keep you thru this life.
Marcia,
You are top shelf, lead dawg, better than the best. Your performances are monumental and you are a true champion for so many musical styles over so many decades.
You always offer your own influences for your fans.
The stand you always take for Roland ‘Professor Longhair’ Bird is so admirable. Your Louisiana gigs at Cahoots, The Speakeasy, The Kingfish, Uncle Earls, The White House Inn & Independence Hall will always yell…’Jacka Mo Fee Na Nay!’ We will always love you, and will never forget you. Be Strong! Take your time!
Road Trippin’… Terry Burhans
wchstv.com/community/road-trippin
Devastating news. First knew her with Frida and the Firedogs at the Split Rail decades ago. What a quality human being.
My husband and I loved your music concerts in Tucson. My husband died from ALS back in 2020 and I wish the best for your treatments.
Thank you for the many years of great music. May the disease progress very slowly, leaning you with plenty of time for joy with those you love.
Oh my goodness Ms. Marcia,
Sooooo very sorry for this news Darlin.
Have been so joyously amazed while seeing you perform.
I use to have an AMAZING Musician Lovey. He also was Diagnosed as you.
May your journey be gentle and full of love.
Bless you.
Hatti
Marcia – We have come to see you whenever you were in the Denver, CO area, including this last summer in Aspen Jazz Festival! You never disappoint! You leave us dancing, singing along, and filled with Louisiana joy! We will miss seeing you in person, but will make do with your wonderful recordings. We’re sure you’ll navigate your next chárter with courage, humor, and NOLA sass! Much gratitude and love to you! -Kim & Greg
Marcia – We have come to see you whenever you were in the Denver, CO area, including this last summer in Aspen Jazz Festival! You never disappoint! You leave us dancing, singing along, and filled with Louisiana joy! We will miss seeing you in person, but will make do with your wonderful recordings. We’re sure you’ll navigate your next chárter with courage, humor, and NOLA sass! Much gratitude and love to you! -Kim & Greg
Marcia, you are the best of the best! I have enjoyed every performance from Tulsa to Ft Smith and down to Fort Worth. You are an amazing performer with class that can’t be matched. I cherish the memories and good times. May you be blessed going forward in the manner that you have blessed us with your music.
Saw Marcia in concert in New Irleans years ago. Her talents and singing will be missed.
House of Blues
Remember Marciaappears on the monstrous blues anthology put out a few years ago.
I am so sorry to hear this. Thank you, Marcia, for all the music. Wishing you healing & courage. May the love & energy of those you’ve touched with your music comfort you and your loved ones.
Sorry. The PBS issue
Sing it for your sister… we now make a chorus for your enjoyment and hope our thoughts,feelings and inspirations improve your life moving forward… heath is wealth stay positive on this part of your journey, just be…. I love ya!!
Lucky enough to see Marcia on Delberts Blues Cruises. Always a class act. Best wishes for tge future. Keith Hutton UK Fan.
This news makes your show I attended at The Harvest Music Fedtival in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada even more endearing. God Bless!
All the best moving forward with strength.
A looking time admirer.
Buz ( the cook at the Friend Factory, Bluff Springs Road, Austin 1971
I met you a couple times when you were at the 8 X 10 in Baltimore. You took a little while to talk to me and I really appreciated that. I also saw you in Austin when I spent a year in San Antonio. I was sorry to hear about your diagnosis. You are a class act on and off the stage.
Introduced to your musical talents, years ago, at the Starry Night, Portland, Or. The Antones package shows. Wonderful. Thank you! Believe on Jesus the Christ and as He said often, “do not be afraid” Call on Him, for He is capable only of good. God Bless, Sister
Prayers for Marcia 🙏🏻🙏🏻. This news is something that friends, and fans were not expecting. However, know that we understand, Vinton and Alumni are Praying for You, and Bobby Kimball as well. 💕🙏🏻🙏🏻
Marcia. every Jazz Fest one anticipated your performances that brought the dancers to their feet. You are an inspiration, a breath of what the power of music is and can be. From a native Oregonian your music is the joy of professorial fingers. Your voice resonates through time.
Marcia, you have been and will continue to be an inspiration to all of us who love New Orleans piano. So sorry that you have been dealt this card. I am hoping that the upcoming medical breakthroughs that new technology promises will come through in time to heal what ails you.
I’m terribly sorry to hear this. My late significant other and I saw you many times in Houston and the surrounding area and thoroughly enjoyed your performances. I pray that your treatments slow the progression of the disease.
So sorry to hear this. Have seen you perform a few times over the years here in nj and ny. Thanks so much for the music. All the best to you as you deal with this.
Marcia, this is your old friend Andy SEMON IN CONNECTICUT! Of course wishing you the best and know you are a fighter. Keep on keepin’ on as the old song says. If you remember my friend Judy she and I always talk about when we’d see you on the east coast in New York and Connecticut. By the way Judy is now an attorney in South Carolina,unbelievably. Sends her regards as well. Hope some way we see you again as old friends. Remember – wild horses we’ll ride them someday —take care, old friend.
Love, prayers and best wishes for you, Marcia. Each time I saw you perform was a special treat.
You are indeed a legend. Thanks for the wonderful memories
,
Will be praying for you. We believe in “The Power of Love “. You have always brought joy to us.
Marcia – I feel so very bad about this. You have always been so dynamic and such an awesome pianist. My wife and I have seen you many times over the years at The Knickerbocker in Westerly RI. It just doesn’t seem fair. To have your livelihood taken away by such a terrible disease. We will be thinking about you and praying for you. You’re the best!!
My friend, John, was a marvelous guitar player until ALS took his guitar from him. My prayers are for you. ALS manifests differently in each person. Hold hope and be of good cheer.
My prayers are for you. ALS manifests differently in each person. Hold hope and be of good cheer.
Marcia, thank you for the years of great music and pleasure that you brought us. I am sorry for your diagnosis and send you good wishes and prayers in your journey.
Rock and Roll forever Marcia!
Cherishing the memories… the Summefest gigs, the clubs
I had the privilege of meeting you once after a show you performed in Chicago. Been a fan ever since. Especially loved “Big Mouthed Louella”! WXRT always referred to you as Long Tall Marcia Ball Y’all. God bless you and we pray you survive this setback.
I had the privilege of meeting you once after a show you performed in Chicago. Been a fan ever since. Especially loved “Big Mouthed Louella”! WXRT always referred to you as Long Tall Marcia Ball Y’all. God bless you and we pray you survive this setback.
God bless u, Marcia. My late husband. NIck, who was a blues fan, & I, saw u at a blues/jazz festival yrs. ago at Philadelphia’s old Penn’s Landing & saw u also at some indoor venues. U gave superb performances, indoor or out. As a person who sang, in my youth, seeing & hearing u was a great thrill. U will go down in the history of blues/roots music as one of the all time greats. May God be w/u always.
Sorry to hear of your retirement and the reason why, such is life! I’m glad I was able to see and hear you preform in Philly many years ago at a long gone venue. I hope you approach the rest of your life with as much gusto!!!
I am sure that your love of music will help you through this time. My brother died of ALS at 62 last summer.
My recommendation is to get an eye gaze machine now, and learn how to you use as soon as possible.
Other than movement, losing your voice is one of the hardest to cope with.
Spirituality helped my brother befriend his disease.
Other than a few people with genetic markers, this disease is random. That is why it’s difficult to cure this disease.
Ouch! Blessings Marsha. Heading to Spotify to listen to your music and send the vibes I feel your way. ❤️
So sorry to hear about this. I saw you perform in Buffalo when you were touring with my college friend Tinsley Ellis. Loved your music.
Me and my family has been dealing with the deadly disease for many years now, First my dad and one of his brothers, my little brother, and now my older sister. I pray one day soon they will find a cure. It is not fun to watch the people who have this.
So sorry to hear the news; prayers for you & your family. Will miss your voice & guitar ;- )
So sorry to hear this Marcia. Sending you love from New Mexico. Foster and I will be praying for you 🙏🙏🙏🙌.
From Austin Limits in 1976 to The Dakota bar with about ten people in the late show audience where you took request to the Minnesota State Fair where you signed my CD. All your shows were amazing. From the boogies to the blues you are one of my all time favorites. Vicki and I are heartbroken but we have your music the will live forever. The U of MN and Mayo do amazing work. Keep the faith.
You are in our thoughts. Thank you for all the great music you gave us.
Caught you circa 1990 in Eureka, CA.
“Let’s have a warm welcome for the long, tall, Marcia Ball”.
You came out, and you were def long and tall!
Great intimate show.
Sorry for this curve ball. Can’t imagine how much it sux.
Marcia, have known and loved you for more than 60 years now and I have so many precious memories of you to cherish. This news reduced me to tears. I’m praying for you Marcia.
Last year, my 68-year-old partner was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease also known as ALS. Speaking and swallowing were two of his challenges. His collapse was swift and catastrophic, and neither Standard treatment like riluzole and high dose B12 did very little for him. He would not have survived if our primary care physician hadn’t given him attentive care and attention, as the hospital center didn’t provide any psychological support. His fall was abrupt and catastrophic. His hands and legs gave way to weakness in his arms. he used different supplements that didn’t work, so last July, he tried the ALS/MND protocol—the best decision ever! His symptoms eased, his strength returned, and he sleeps soundly. He feels like a new man, and he can walk and exercise again. We got the ALS/MND protocol from ww w. limitless healthcenter. c om
My first ALS symptom occurred in 2016, but was diagnosed in 2018. I had severe symptoms ranging from shortness of breath, balance problems, couldn’t walk without a walker or a power chair, i had difficulty swallowing and fatiue. I was given medications which helped but only for a short burst of time, then I decided to try alternative measures and began on ALS Formula treatment from Limitless Natural Wellness, It has made a tremendous difference for me (Visit ww w. Limitless naturalwellness. c om). I had improved walking balance, increased appetite, muscle strength, improved eyesight and others.
My wife (55) was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (ALS) in February 2026. She started displaying symptoms in July 2025. We were referred to an ALS clinic and began all the blood tests, MRI”s, etc. our neurologist stated that this looked more like an autoimmune than ALS but all of the autoimmune treatments were not effective. Referred to another ALS clinic were they confirmed diagnosis of sporadic limb onset ALS. In November 2025, she was using a cane to walk due to foot drop and leg weakness. She had fasciculations in her arms and back, clonus in her left leg, and weakness in her right arm and hand. Currently, she was 100% dependent on me for her care. She had virtually no use of her arms, hands and legs. She struggled with more things that have time to list here. This year our family physician suggested using Limitless Natural Wellness ALS/MND protocol, which my wife has been receiving for a few months now. and it has changed everything., she no longer requires a feeding tube, sleeps soundly, works out frequently, and is now very active. We got the ALS/MND herbal formula from ww w. limitlessnaturalwellness. com. Don’t give up hope.