Anita Ward Biography

Anita Ward, born on December 20, 1956, in Memphis, Tennessee, is an American singer and musician best known for her 1979 hit "Ring My Bell." The song became a chart-topping success, reaching number one on the US Hot 100, R&B, and Dance charts, as well as achieving similar success in the United Kingdom and Canada. Before embarking on her musical career, Ward graduated from Rust College with a degree in psychology, intending to pursue a career in education as a schoolteacher.

Ward's journey into the music industry began when she signed a recording contract in the late 1970s. During the recording of her debut album, an opportunity arose through record label owner Frederick Knight, who presented her with the song "Ring My Bell." Although Ward initially expressed reservations about the track, which had been rewritten with adult lyrics to fit the disco trend, she eventually decided to record it. The song's release solidified her status as an icon of the disco era.

In 1979, Ward released her debut album, Songs of Love, which featured "Ring My Bell" as its lead single. Following the success of this hit, she released a second album later that same year, Sweet Surrender, which included the minor hit "Don't Drop My Love." Despite the continued interest in her music, her career was affected by contractual disputes and a severe car accident. These setbacks, combined with the decline of disco music, led to a perception of Ward as a one-hit wonder.

In 1989, Ward recorded Wherever There?? Love, which marked a departure from her disco roots and included a re-recorded version of "Ring My Bell." However, the album was released internationally without a US distributor, and its single "Be My Baby" failed to chart. Following this, Ward took a hiatus from the music industry to focus on her family.

Ward made a notable return to performing on New Year's Eve in 2002 at Times Square in New York City, singing "Ring My Bell" during the official countdown celebration. She continued to perform at various events, including a memorable performance at Beale Street in Memphis in 2005. In early 2011, Ward re-entered the studio to work on new music and released the single "It's My Night."

Ward's artistic legacy continues to resonate, as she remains a beloved figure in disco music. In 2024, she sang "Ring My Bell" at the First Ladies of Disco Show in Las Vegas, joined by other notable artists from the disco era. Furthermore, she is featured in the PBS series Disco: Soundtrack of a Revolution, highlighting her enduring impact on the music landscape.