Two Bits

Two Bits Norm Ballinger and Gretchen Lynn Music bio Norm grew up in Ohio, studied music formally at Kent State, and less formally in the nightclubs and bars there, in Akron, and Cleveland. Weary of the cold winter, Norm landed in Houston 33 years ago and has made Texas his home ever since. Through those years Norm has accompanied or shared the stage with many Texas legends, such as Lucinda Williams, George Ensle, and plenty of others. As a singer-songwriter and poet, he has two CD’s of his own work. This past year Norm indulged in his longtime love and fascination for the melodic songs of long ago. Looking for a way to dust off some of these grand old covers, he met with Gretchen Lynn and Two Bits was born. With a mix of originals and lots of choice chestnuts, Two Bits is a small-scale powerhouse of merry melodies. Gretchen Lynn Janzow, a native of the Texas Hill Country, was a closet singer until she began singing around the campfires at the Kerrville Folk Music Festival with Elizabeth Suggs in 2004 when the Austin Family Jewels were born. The Americana band of five has been playing since. She contributes to various musical projects in Austin’s rich music community as well with vocals and original tunes. Recently, Gretchen Lynn decided to indulge her love and admiration of classic melodies and found a perfect fit with Norm and Two Bits.

Austin, TX