Clara Ward

Clara Ward (April 21, 1924 - January 16, 1973) was a gospel artist who achieved great success, both artistic and commercial, in the 1940s and 1950s as leader of The Famous Ward Singers. A gifted singer and arranger, Ward took the lead-switching style used by male gospel quartets to new heights, leaving room for spontaneous improvisation and vamping by each member of the group while giving virtuouso singers such as Marion Williams the opportunity to step forward in songs such as "Surely

Influenced by: Mahalia Jackson, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, The Dixie Hummingbirds, The Soul Stirrers

Active:

1940s-1950s

Scene:

Philadelphia gospel

Side projects

• The Famous Ward Singers

• Stevie WonderTue, Nov 24
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• MARVIN - The Marvin Gaye MusicalSat, Feb 20
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• The ManhattansSun, Nov 29
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• Alvin Ailey American Dance TheaterSat, Jan 30
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• Smokey RobinsonFri, May 7
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• Samantha FishWed, Nov 18
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• Harlem GlobetrottersSat, Mar 6
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• Pittsburgh PenguinsSun, Apr 4
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