Robert Ward (blues musician) facts for kids

Robert June Ward, Sr. (born October 15, 1938 – died December 25, 2008) was an American musician. He was famous for playing the blues and soul guitar. He also started a band called the Ohio Untouchables. This band later became the well-known Ohio Players. Robert Ward had a special way of playing the guitar. His sound was unique, often described as having a "vibrato" effect. This sound came from a special amplifier called a Magnatone.

Robert Ward's Musical Journey

Early Life and Starting a Band

Robert Ward was born in Luthersville, Georgia. In 1960, he moved to Dayton, Ohio. There, he formed his band, the Ohio Untouchables. The group released several songs on the LuPine record label. One of their popular songs was "Your Love Is Amazing." This song became one of Robert Ward's most famous tunes. They also recorded an exciting guitar song called "Forgive Me Darling." This song was inspired by another famous musician, Bo Diddley. Robert Ward left the Ohio Untouchables in 1965.

A New Chapter: Solo Music and Return

After leaving the band, Robert Ward moved to the Detroit area. He actually lived in Toledo, Ohio. He released some solo songs in the late 1960s. In the 1970s, he worked as a session player for Motown Records. This meant he played guitar on other artists' recordings. After this, he stepped away from the music scene for a while. In 1977, he moved back to Grantville, Georgia.

In the early 1990s, Robert Ward made a comeback. The record label Black Top Records helped him release his first solo album. It was called Fear No Evil and came out in 1991. This album included a new version of "Forgive Me Darling." He released two more albums with Black Top Records over the next four years. In the mid-1990s, he performed in a few places. He played in Minneapolis and several cities in Michigan.

After Black Top Records closed, a radio DJ helped him. This DJ, Marty Spaulding, became Robert's manager. He helped Robert get a new record deal with Delmark Records. In 2000, Robert Ward released his album New Role Soul. In his last years, Robert faced health problems. He had two strokes, which made it hard for him to play music.

Robert Ward passed away on December 25, 2008. He died at his home in Dry Branch, Georgia.

Robert Ward's Albums

Here are some of the albums Robert Ward released:

• 1991: Fear No Evil (Black Top)
• 1993: Rhythm of the People (Black Top)
• 1995: Hot Stuff (Relic) - This album was a collection of his early songs from the 1960s.
• 1995: Black Bottom (Black Top)
• 2000: New Role Soul (Delmark)