Legacy Vol. I

THE CLARA WARD SINGERS would like to thank the following: WILLA WARD, we love you; our producer, MICHAEL TRAMMELL; PAULA JEFFRIES; DANNY OOLDBERG; CEMA and CAPITOL DISTRIBUTIONS; the entire staff of GOLD CASTLE/TRU-BELIEVERS Music Group; a very special thanks to CHARLOTTE SIMS for your beautiful photos of Clara; MATTIE’S PLACE; BOBBY JONES; ARETHA FRANKLIN; THOMAS WHITFIELD; FLIP WILSON; to our friend and music conductor, DAVID BELL, we could not have done it without you; last but not least, to our friends, fans, and loved ones all over the world, We Love You!!! This project is dedicated to the memory of CLARA and GERTHUDE WARD, REV. JAMES CLEVELAND and all of the GREATS who havepassed on. You will not be forgotten. ~ The Clara Ward Singers In 1965 I had my first opportunity to see the world-famous Clara Ward Singers, “Live" and I must say I had never been so completely astounded in my life. I grew up listening to the Davis Sisters, the Caravans, Mahalia Jackson, just to name a few, but my idols were always the Wards. Little did I know that years later I would become close friends with Gertrude Ward and go on to become their music director. I feel privileged and honored to conduct for this award-winning group as we continue this "legacy." - David Bell When I talk to many of the up-and-coming gospel singers of today, it never ceases to amaze me how unknowledgeable they are about the history of gospel music. When you ask who the Davis Sisters, Alex Bradford or Alfred Bolden were, they just don't know. They do not realize that groups like the Caravans, Stars of Faith, Brother Joe May and the Roberta Martin Singers paved the way for today's gospel music. The greatest of these groups is the legendary Clara Ward Singers. Gertrude Ward and her daughter, Clara, were gospel's first world renown group. They revolutionized the sound of gospel music and they didn't compromise their faith to do it. This album is a collection of Clara Ward's best-loved songs and arrangements. Listen and enjoy! - Michael Trammell This moment affords me the opportunity to voice my respect for these great singers of time, legacy and spirit. This is lasting gospel music. The sounds of all-time greats. The spirit of strength. Vocals of real joy, out of our past that stand the test of time. Thank you, Michael Trammell, foryour vision and thank you, "Wards," for meeting our needs again. I’m excited! - Thomas Whitfield