1. Ernie Ball Inc is the eponymous corporation Ball started to market guitar accessories.
11 Facts About Ernie Ball
1. 2.
Ernie Ball's paternal grandfather, Ernest Ball, wrote the standard "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" and his father was a car salesman who taught Hawaiian steel guitar on the side.
3.
Sometime in 1957 or 1958, Ernie Ball opened a music store in Tarzana, California.
4.
Ernie Ball claimed it was the first shop in the United States to sell guitars exclusively.
5.
Ernie Ball had diverse interests including collecting cars, surfing and flying airplanes.
6.
Ernie Ball authored a series of books and manuals on guitar playing.
7.
Ernie Ball was married to Nova Gail, and had four children: Sherwood Ball, the ex-husband of actress Susan Anspach, David Ball, Sterling Ball, and Nova Ball.
8.
Ernie Ball's granddaughter is actress Hannah Marks.
9.
Ernie Ball remained active in his company until his death 42 years after its founding.
10.
Ernie Ball died from an ongoing, undisclosed illness on September 9,2004, leaving the business to his sons and other family members.
11.
Ernie Ball was buried near his home at San Luis Cemetery in San Luis Obispo, California.