Glen Ballard

Glen Ballard is a Grammy Award–winning American songwriter, record producer, and composer whose career spans more than four decades across pop, rock, film, and theatre. Born on May 1, 1953, in Natchez, Mississippi, Ballard grew up surrounded by music and developed a deep love for both popular and classical styles. After graduating from the University of Mississippi, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue songwriting, quickly establishing himself as one of the most versatile and prolific figures in the industry.

Ballard first gained recognition in the 1980s when he co-wrote and produced hit songs for Michael Jackson, including contributions to the albums Thriller and Bad. He later achieved international fame as the principal co-writer and producer of Alanis Morissette’s groundbreaking 1995 album Jagged Little Pill. The record sold over 30 million copies worldwide and won four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, cementing Ballard’s reputation as one of the most influential producers of his generation.

Beyond his work with Morissette and Jackson, Ballard has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Aerosmith, Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry, Van Halen, and Dave Matthews. His ability to move seamlessly across genres—from rock and pop to R&B—has made him a highly sought-after creative partner. He has also written songs for major films, including The Polar Express, Charlotte’s Web, and The Croods, often blending his melodic instincts with cinematic storytelling.

In theatre, Ballard expanded his creative reach by co-composing the score for Ghost: The Musical (2011) with Dave Stewart, with lyrics and a book by Bruce Joel Rubin. The production premiered in Manchester before moving to London’s West End and later Broadway. Ballard’s music brought a contemporary pop-rock energy to the stage adaptation, balancing emotional ballads with driving ensemble numbers that enhanced Rubin’s poignant story of love and loss.

Today, Glen Ballard remains an influential force in music and entertainment. He continues to produce records, write for stage and screen, and develop new projects through his multimedia company, Augury. His legacy is marked by a rare combination of commercial success and artistic depth, and his contributions to both popular music and musical theatre ensure his place among the most significant American songwriters of his era.