Anita
Ward
“RING
MY BELL” was one of Anita Ward’s most successful hits.
For the better part of 1979, her soaring voice would be heard
on every radio station in the country. This song swept the disco
scenes and kept other upcoming songs at bay. It was the number
one record in the United States, Canada, Central America, South
Africa, and even Israel.
“It was
unbelievable,” Anita recalled. “Overnight I was suddenly
a household name. I was treated like I was someone special. People
would come up to me and ask if they could touch me.
With the success
of “RING MY BELL” Anita Ward went on an extensive tour
in the United States and Europe which included, Spain, the Netherlands,
and Germany. She also toured Central and South America, Mexico,
and Brazil.
The Midnight Special, The Merv Griffin, America Bandstand, and
Top Of The Pops in England were among several television appearances
made during the reign of her hit record.
The oldest
daughter of a minister and homemaker, Anita started singing at
age nine in the church choir. At the age 14, she was spotted at
a high school talent show by an enterprising young producer who
wanted to sign her with a recording contract, But, her parents
thought that she was too young and wouldn’t budge for the
idea. At Rust College in Holly Springs, MS, she sang in the schools
world famous acappella choir, singing in cathedrals from Portland,
Oregon to Romania. Her first recording with The Rust College Acappella
Choir featured opera singer Leontyne Price.
After having
toured both in and out of the country, Anita chose to resume the
teaching career she had started prior to her worldwide hit. Although
she’s now a full-time wife, mother, and teacher, the music
within her will never die.
In recent
years, Anita was a featured guest artist at a benefit show in
Paris France along Grace Jones, The Village People, Gloria Gaynor,
Imagination, and many others.
Now that the
sound of the 70’s is celebrating its rebirth, Anita intends
to resurge as well.
“I’m
going out there with a lot more fire and determination - because
now I’ve truly lived the songs I sing,” said Anita.
She added, “I’m not cocky, just confident.
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