Peach Jam Podcast: Katherine Ball - Valdosta, GA

Katherine's journey begins in Valdosta, Georgia, where she was born and raised. Despite the small town vibe, Valdosta would become the place she was always drawn back to, even after moving 2,000 miles away.

"It took me moving 2,000 miles away across the country to realize this is a very small place," she shares. "And Georgia, South Georgia in particular, is like a little club. And when you leave this place, that's the key. You know, it's just having the gumption to get out and leaving. When you do, you meet so many other people that have done the same thing, but it's almost like a shield of protection."

For Katherine, the deep connection she feels to her roots is undeniable, and it’s clear that her heart belongs in the small, tight-knit community of Valdosta.

Though her heart is anchored in South Georgia, Katherine’s musical influences are broad and eclectic. Her sound blends Southern Gothic blues and rock, inspired by the likes of Tom Petty and the Allman Brothers, while her experiences growing up in Valdosta, spending time in Stockholm, and later studying in Athens, Georgia, have helped shape her unique sound.

As she puts it, “You have Tom Petty in Gainesville, Graham Parsons from Waycross, and the Allman Brothers from Macon. And in between all of that is me right in Valdosta.” Katherine's music is a reflection of her journey and the eclectic mix of places and cultures that have shaped her along the way.

The most striking aspect of Katherine’s story is her unwavering faith and how it guided her path — not just in music, but in life itself. After completing her undergraduate studies in Valdosta, Katherine packed her bags and made a dramatic move to Vail, Colorado.

She describes this decision as being a divine calling: “That’s what God told me to do.” But it wasn’t long before she felt the pull to return home to Georgia, where her faith and music truly thrived. She reflects, “Once you're gone for so long, you start to realize the things that you miss and the things you appreciated. The song that we played, Something in the Water, is actually about that. That was the first song I ever wrote that was mine. And I wrote it when I had moved to Athens from Colorado and was missing being in Valdosta.”

Her spiritual journey intertwined with her musical career, particularly in the creation of her first song that truly represented her soul and her longing for home.

Katherine speaks with deep gratitude about how her faith has sustained her through every step of her journey: “I’ve tried to let my faith guide me in my decisions as well. That was a big part in moving back home too, because I think that magic or that feeling, this is a special place.” Her words are filled with a sense of purpose, and it’s clear that her music is more than just sound — it’s a way for her to connect with others and share her truth.

Katherine’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In her early 20s, she faced a mysterious and debilitating health condition that took years to diagnose. What followed was a series of surgeries and the looming uncertainty of losing her voice — something she wasn’t sure she could handle.

"I went into that surgery not knowing if I would sing again," she admits. “It was the only one where I was just a little anxious... just a little.” This heart-stopping moment in Katherine’s life was a pivotal turning point in her journey, and her resilience and determination to push through have shaped her music and the messages she shares with her listeners.

Her story of healing is nothing short of miraculous, with Katherine believing that divine intervention played a role in her recovery. She recounts how the right doctor, at the right moment, was the key to uncovering the issue, leading to her eventual healing.

“The physician that was on call had the same name as my vascular surgeon. He only specialized in the endocrine issues. He's the one that found the tumors and said it was a one in a billion chance that they would have even found those.”

For Katherine, this felt like a sign — a sign that she was on the right path and that her voice, both literally and metaphorically, was meant to continue.

Valdosta has also played a key role in Katherine’s music-making. As she recalls, the town’s close-knit music community and the support from fellow artists have nurtured her creativity in ways she never expected.

"The musicians that are there are phenomenal," Katherine says. "That was the reason I moved home. There was time, space, a place. I sleep so well in Valdosta. It’s the perfect concoction, the perfect equation for music.”

Her connection to the local music scene has helped her continue to grow as an artist and find new collaborations, such as her partnership with the band Mama Stone. These local connections are a testament to the strength of the Valdosta music community and the impact it has had on Katherine’s work.

Now back in Valdosta, Katherine feels she’s in the perfect place to cultivate her music, surrounded by a supportive community and inspired by the environment. She reflects, “If I could make a living telling my stories, doing the thing I love, that’s a dream come true. If I could just pay my bills doing that, that’s dream come true.”

It’s clear that Katherine’s passion for music and her unwavering dedication to her craft are driving her to achieve her dreams, no matter what obstacles have come her way. Her story is a powerful reminder that when you follow your heart and your faith, everything falls into place.

Katherine Ball’s journey is a beautiful testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and the healing power of music. Whether you’re from South Georgia or beyond, her story resonates with anyone who’s ever searched for their place in the world, fought through adversity, and found solace in the songs they sing.

Be sure to check out this week’s episode of the Peach Jam podcast, where Katherine takes you on a journey through her life, her music, and her triumphs. It's available on the Georgia Public Broadcasting website or wherever you listen to your podcasts. You’ll also find her performances on the GPB YouTube page. If you love stories of resilience, faith, and music that speaks from the heart, this episode is one you don’t want to miss!

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Peach Jam to help more listeners discover the incredible talents that call Georgia home! And as always, support live local music and independent record stores in your area.

The Peach Jam podcast from GPB features songs and stories from a variety of the incredibly talented and diverse bands and artists who call the Peach State home.

Recorded live in our GPB studios, you get a front row seat for the intimate musical performances and free-flowing conversation from a truly eclectic variety of Georgia musicians. You can find more at GPB.org/PeachJamPodcast — and please download and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.