Considered one of the greatest soloists in gospel history, Clara Ward and her Famous Ward Singers—a group started by her mother, Gertrude—toured their signature rollicking gospel sound around the country, in churches, arenas and even, quite controversially, nightclubs. Ward became the group’s musical arranger at the height of their success, including when they toured with the Rev. C.L. Franklin, whose daughter—Aretha—considered Ward a mentor.

Ward, who went on to lead the Clara Ward Singers, featured in the Hollywood movie A Time to Sing, with Hank Williams Jr., and was inducted posthumously into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Was a founding member, and musical arranger, of the Ward gospel singers
• Has a 32 cent U.S. Postal Service stamp with her image on it
• Influenced Aretha Franklin
• Performed twice before President Lyndon Johnson
• Played at Carnegie Hall with Mahalia Jackson
• Directed the music for a Broadway play

FINAL WORDS: In her 1973 obituary, Ward was quoted as having said: “I really kind of think, as far as my personal life is concerned, I got it made.”

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