Photo: Steve Granitz © WireImage.com

Born in Natchez, Mississippi. Composer and music producer whose songs have appeared in American films since "It's Gonna Be Special" in TWO OF A KIND (1983). Other composing credits include songs for THE SLUGGER'S WIFE (1985), THE MUMMY RETURNS and SHALLOW HAL (both 2001), xXx (2002), THE MATRIX RELOADED (2003) and THE POLAR EXPRESS (2004). Many of Ballard's songs have been written for singer Alanis Morrisette.  Nominated for Achievement in Music (Song) 2004: THE POLAR EXPRESS - "Believe" - Music and lyric (w. Alan Silvestri) 1 nomination