An American soldier, composer, and educator who served in World War II and later became a renowned composer of operas and orchestral works, known for his contributions to American classical music.
Robert Ward, an American blues and soul guitarist, is largely recognized for founding the Ohio Untouchables, a band that later evolved into the renowned Ohio Players. His distinctive playing style, characterized by a rich, vibrato-soaked tone, earned him a reputation as a master of the Magnatone amplifier.
Ward was born on October 15, 1938, in Luthersville, Georgia. His early life was marked by a deep connection to music, which ultimately led him to move to Dayton, Ohio, in 1960. Here, he formed the Ohio Untouchables, a group that would release several singles on LuPine, including the now-classic "Your Love Is Amazing," which would become one of Ward's signature songs.
The Ohio Untouchables' early work was marked by a unique blend of blues, soul, and R&B. Their music was characterized by Ward's innovative guitar playing, which was heavily influenced by the likes of Bo Diddley. One of their most notable releases during this period was the guitar workout "Forgive Me Darling," a track loosely modeled on Diddley's "I'm Sorry."
In 1965, Ward left the Ohio Untouchables and relocated to the Detroit area, where he began releasing singles under his own name in the late 1960s. This marked the beginning of his solo career, during which he would work as a session player for Motown. However, after the loss of his wife and mother in 1977, Ward disappeared from the music scene, only to be rediscovered in the early 1990s.
In the early 1990s, Ward was rediscovered by Black Top Records, which led to the release of his first solo album, Fear No Evil, in 1991. This album included a re-recording of "Forgive Me Darling," showcasing Ward's continued mastery of the guitar. Over the next four years, he released two more albums for the label, cementing his status as a blues legend.
In the mid-1990s, Ward's health began to decline, and he was limited to occasional performances in Michigan and Minnesota. After Black Top Records went defunct, WRKR Kalamazoo blues DJ Marty Spaulding helped Ward secure a recording contract with Delmark Records, resulting in the release of New Role Soul in 2000. Sadly, Ward passed away on December 25, 2008, at his home in Dry Branch, Georgia, leaving behind a rich musical legacy.
Robert Ward's impact on the blues and soul scene is undeniable. His innovative guitar playing and soulful voice continue to inspire musicians to this day. As a founding member of the Ohio Untouchables and a successful solo artist, Ward's legacy is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and a lifelong love of music.
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