In Memory Of Willa Ward-Royster

In 1953, an American magazine reported that …when Clara Ward's big voice delivers a gospel song, she transforms a quiet audience of 10.000 or more men and women into a pandemonium of screaming, shouting and crying. Apart from outdrawing contemporary blues and jazz artists for live appearances, Clara Ward and her Famous Ward Singers had no other peers in selling records. They kept an earthy sound, despite refined arrangements and accomplished musicianship. Soprano Marion Williams (later the celebrated leader of the super gospel group, the Stars of Faith) is the featured soloist on many of the songs on the CD. Gospel expert Anthony Heilbut has contributed with intriguing observations in the notes, written by Robert Sacré.