Details

ARC-1365

collection

Anthony Heilbut Collection on Marion Williams and the Ward Singers

1959, undated

0.92 (Linear feet)

The Ward Singers were a gospel vocal trio established in Philadelphia in 1931 by Gertrude Mae Ward and her daughters Clara Mae Ward and Willarene “Willa” Ward. In 1947, after Willa Ward’s retirement, the addition of Henrietta Waddy and Marion Williams transformed the group into a quartet. Williams became the group's star soloist and played a key role in their commercial success beginning in 1948. The Ward Singers enjoyed widespread popularity and commercial success through the 1950s, becoming one of the most influential gospel acts of the era. In 1958, Marion Williams, along with several other members, departed the group due to a payment dispute, prompting a structural reorganization. The ensemble continued under the leadership of Clara Ward, eventually adopting the name the Clara Ward Singers. The group remained active until Clara Ward's death in 1973.
Marion Williams (1927-1994) was a celebrated American gospel singer who rose to national prominence in 1947, when she joined the Ward Singers (also known as the Clara Ward Singers). Williams became the group's star soloist and played a key role in their commercial success beginning in 1948. She remained with the group until 1958, when a pay dispute led to Williams and other members splitting with the Ward Singers and forming a new ensemble, the Stars of Faith. While not as successful as the Ward Singers, the Stars of Faith remained active into the 1960s. Williams would also start her own solo career around 1965 and see success with the release of songs such as “Standing Here Wondering Which Way to Go.” Williams would continue to sing gospel music until her death in 1994.

The Anthony Heilbut Collection on Marion Williams and the Ward Singers is dated 1958 and includes undated materials. The collection consists of a handwritten sermon notebook by Marion Williams, two photographs of the Ward Singers during Williams' tenure with the group, and a handbill for the 15th Anniversary Celebration of Ronnie Williams, featuring the Stars of Faith.

: The Anthony Heilbut Collection on Marion Williams and the Ward Singers was received by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a gift from Anthony Heilbut on June 29, 2024.

: [Identification of Item], Anthony Heilbut Collection on Marion Williams and the Ward Singers, Library and Archives, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

: Materials are in English.

: Processed by Sunny Moore, Intern. Completed July 10, 2025. Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS and local processing manual.

Collection is open for research. Patrons must sign the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights statement on the Researcher Registration Form before using this collection. Consult the Library and Archives in advance of your visit to ensure access to these materials is available.

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc.

Williams, Marion, Ward Singers (Musical group), Heilbut, Anthony