Clint Ballard Jr., born Clinton Conger Ballard Jr. on May 24, 1931, in El Paso, Texas, was an influential American songwriter, singer, and pianist. He is best known for writing two Billboard Hot 100 number one hits: "Game of Love" by Wayne Fontana and The Mindbenders in 1965, and "You're No Good," which became a hit for Linda Ronstadt in 1975. Ballard's songwriting prowess also led to two UK number one singles: "Good Timin'" by Jimmy Jones in 1960 and "I'm Alive" by The Hollies in 1965.

Ballard's musical journey began early; he played piano on an El Paso radio station at the age of three and attended a program for gifted musicians at the University of North Texas when he was eleven. After serving in the U.S. Army, he moved to New York City, where he pursued a career in music, writing musicals and songs. He discovered and managed the harmony duo the Kalin Twins, writing their debut single "Jumpin' Jack."

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Ballard's songs were widely recorded by artists of the British Invasion, including The Swinging Blue Jeans and The Zombies. His song "Hey, Little Baby" became the theme for the 1958 World's Fair in Belgium. Despite his success as a songwriter, Ballard's own recording career was less fruitful, although he released singles under his own name and the pseudonym Buddy Clinton.

Ballard eventually settled in Texas, where he transitioned into real estate investment and management. He passed away on December 23, 2008, in Denton, Texas, at the age of 77, following a stroke in 2006. His contributions to music have been recognized with his inclusion in the Honor Roll of Songwriters in the West Texas Music Hall of Fame.