Ballas Hough Band
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Founder | Mark Ballas, Derek Hough |
| Defunct | 2010 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, California , United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Number of employees | 5 |
| Parent | Hollywood Records (until 2010) |
The Ballas Hough Band was a U.S.-based pop rock ensemble fronted by Mark Ballas and Derek Hough, both of whom contributed as lead vocalists and guitarists. The group also featured Sam Marder on bass guitar, Harry Sullivan on drums, and Emily Grace handling keyboards and backing vocals. The band's name was derived by combining the surnames of its two principal members.
Their first album, titled BHB, was launched on March 10, 2009, via Hollywood Records, entering the U.S. Billboard 200 chart at position No. 98. On November 3, 2009, they appeared on television for the first time, performing the track "Move" on Dancing with the Stars, which was promoted as the lead single for an anticipated second album.
In 2010, the group parted ways with Hollywood Records and aligned with Morey Management. Without any formal declaration, the band dissolved as members chose to focus on their individual careers.
History
Prior to establishing the band, Derek Hough and his sister Julianne Hough were professional dancers featured on ABC's Dancing with the Stars. Derek initially met Mark Ballas when he relocated to London at age 12 to live with Mark’s family. Julianne later joined them, and all three attended the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.
Initially involved in a musical act named 2B1G ("Two Boys, One Girl"), Mark and Derek later formed Almost Amy alongside Sam Marder, Harry Sullivan, and Emily Grace following Julianne’s exit. After relocating to Los Angeles, California, they rebranded as Ballas Hough Band. The ensemble disbanded in 2010 as members pursued solo projects.
Debut album: BHB (2008-2009)
In 2008, Ballas Hough Band secured a contract with Hollywood Records and released their debut album BHB on March 10, 2009. The record reached No. 98 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart for a single week. Singles such as "Do It for You" and "Do You Love Me" did not enter the charts. On June 21, 2009, the band announced their collaboration with Morey Management.
Exit from Hollywood Records (2009)
On November 3, 2009, they showcased their single "Move" during an episode of Dancing With The Stars. Although intended as the lead track for a forthcoming second studio album, "Move" did not chart. By March 2010, the band had separated from Hollywood Records, and the second album never materialized. As of August 2017, there have been no updates regarding further album releases.
Post-band Activities (2010-present)
Derek Hough has achieved six victories on Dancing with the Stars and received two Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography. His acting credits include the film Make Your Move (film) and portraying Corny Collins in NBC’s live production of Hairspray Live!. He serves as a judge on NBC's World of Dance (TV series) and Dancing with the Stars, and has recently signed a contract with ABC.
Following BHB's disbandment, Mark Ballas embarked on a solo path, winning three seasons of Dancing with the Stars and performing in Broadway productions such as Jersey Boys and Kinky Boots (musical). He released his solo album HurtLoveBox in 2011 and later formed the duo Alexander Jean in 2015 alongside BC Jean, whom he wed in 2016.
Emily Grace continued her musical career touring as a keyboardist and backing vocalist for performers including Demi Lovato, Christina Perri, and Brynn Elliott.
After BHB's breakup, Sam Marder played bass guitar for Irish pop folk group Keywest but eventually departed from that lineup.
Harry Sullivan worked as a drummer for Westar before joining Marder in Keywest in 2012. He remains active with this Dublin-based band, which has earned acclaim throughout Ireland and Europe.
Studio albums
| Album Title | Release Information | Highest Chart Position |
|---|---|---|
| US | ||
| BHB |
|
98 |
Singles
| Year | Single Title | Associated Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | "Do It for You" | BHB |
| "Do You Love Me" | ||
| "Move" | Released independently of an album |