Helen Ward: The Jazz Singer with a Golden Voice

A Legendary Career in Jazz

Helen Ward was an American jazz singer known for her smooth, velvety voice and her collaborations with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Benny Goodman and Harry James. With a career spanning over four decades, Ward left an indelible mark on the jazz scene, earning her place as one of the most beloved and respected vocalists of her time.

Early Life and Beginnings

Born on September 19, 1916, in New York City, Ward came from a musical family and was exposed to music from a young age. She began singing with local bands as a high school student, including the esteemed orchestra led by Eddy Duchin. Her early start in music paved the way for her future success in the jazz world.

Rise to Fame with Benny Goodman

In 1934, Ward's big break came when she began singing with Benny Goodman, one of the most influential jazz musicians of the time. Her audition for Goodman caught the attention of impresario Billy Rose, who booked her for the popular radio program "Let's Dance." This collaboration marked the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership between Ward and Goodman, which would produce some of the most memorable jazz recordings of the era.

A Prolific Career in Radio and Recording

Throughout the 1940s, Ward continued to work with Goodman, as well as other notable jazz musicians like Hal McIntyre and Harry James. She also began working as a staff musician at WNYC and appeared on various radio broadcasts, solidifying her reputation as a talented and versatile vocalist. In addition to her radio work, Ward recorded several albums, including "It's Been So Long" (1953) and "The Helen Ward Song Book Vol. I" (1981), which showcased her unique vocal style and interpretive skills.

Awards and Legacy

Ward's contributions to jazz have been recognized with several awards and accolades. Her iconic 1938 Carnegie Hall concert with Benny Goodman was released as a dual LP set by Columbia Records in 1950, and she was subsequently inducted into the Jazz Hall of Fame. Although she largely retired from the music scene in the 1960s, Ward's legacy as a pioneering jazz vocalist continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.

Personal Life and Marriage

Ward's personal life was marked by several marriages, including her union with Alfred Marx, who arranged for Goodman's historic Carnegie Hall concert to be recorded as a souvenir for her. She later married audio engineer William Savory, who played a key role in the development of the LP record. Ward's personal relationships and experiences undoubtedly shaped her music and influenced her artistic expression.

Discography

• It's Been So Long (Columbia, 1953)
• The Complete Helen Ward on Columbia (Collectors Choice, 2000)
• The Helen Ward Song Book Vol. I (1981)
• Larry Clinton, Larry Clinton in Hi-Fi (RCA Victor, 1957)
• Benny Goodman, Fletcher Henderson Arrangements (Columbia, 1953)
• Benny Goodman, The Golden Age of Swing (RCA Victor, 1956)
• Peanuts Hucko, With a Little Bit of Swing (RCA Victor, 1958)
• Harry James, The Uncollected Harry James (Hindsight, 1977)

Remembering Helen Ward

Helen Ward's remarkable career and contributions to jazz have left an enduring impact on the music world. Her smooth, soulful voice and collaborative spirit continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans, ensuring her legacy as one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time.