David Ball's career has bounced back -- thanks in part to a ghost.

In the '90s, Ball was a hit with songs such at Thinkin' Problem, but then he was dropped by Warner and appeared out of the game. Instead of giving up he signed with the independent label Dualtone and released Amigo.

Immediately, fans and radio connected with the CD's track Riding With Private Malone.

The song tells the tale of a man who purchases a car that belonged to a soldier killed in Vietnam. The ghost of that private, often runs shotgun with the storyteller and even saves him when he's in an accident.

"I thought it was a hit right away, but I had no idea that radio would embrace it," Ball tells the Sun in a phone interview.

Though the song was popular when it was first released in August, it skyrocketed after Sept. 11.

Ball is frustrated by the people who claim he wouldn't have had another hit if it weren't for the terrorism attacks.

"It's not a reactive album to Sept. 11," he stresses.

"It was a blessing that the song was out there (when Sept. 11 happened). The fans were looking to be united. And isn't it nice that a song about Vietnam, which divided the country, could 30 years later help to reunite it."

Ball is also hoping the success of Private Malone and his album can help the faltering country music industry.

"I haven't listened to radio for a year and a half ... I make a lot of enemies, but I wish country music didn't chase a trend. Great music can create its own trend."

Does he think he's missing anything by not tuning in?

"Shoot, I'm not chasing it. I formed my style 20 years ago and I'm not going to change," says Ball, who plays the Silver Dollar Casino tonight.