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Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008

Well-known local blues musician dies

Former blues musician Robert Ward Sr. died Thursday afternoon at his home in Dry Branch from health complications, his widow said.

Roberta Ward said her husband, a well-known blues guitarist/vocalist who performed with the likes of Wilson Pickett and The Temptations, had been suffering from a variety of ailments, including cancer and diabetes.

Robert Ward, 70, had suffered a stroke in 2001 and never fully recovered from it, she said.

After growing up in Georgia, Ward moved to Dayton, Ohio, where he founded The Ohio Untouchables blues band, which later became The Ohio Players. One of the group’s signature songs was “Your Love Is Amazing.”

Ward then moved to Detroit during the 1970s, where he played with some of Motown’s biggest artists. His guitar playing became well-known with a unique tone soaked in vibrato coming from the Magnatone amplifier.

In 1991, Ward released his first full-length album, “Fear No Evil.” He later followed that up with other albums, including “Rhythm of the People,” “Hot Stuff,” and “Black Bottom.” His last album was “New Role Soul,” released in 2000.

Ward was one of several Georgia-based artists to perform during the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.

He often performed in Macon and surrounding areas, including during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Often, he played with his son, well-known drummer Robert Ward Jr.

Roberta Ward said her husband is survived by seven children, eight stepchildren, 87 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are pending, she said.

Information from The Telegraph’s archives was used in this report. To contact reporter Phillip Ramati, call 744-4334.