Elder Ward & The Gospel Four

ELDER WARD AND THE GOSPEL FOUR

Elder Ward & The Gospel Four- The Last Road/ Walk Close To Me (D-Vine Spirituals, 38331/38332)

Elder Ward, also known as Elder J Ward and Elder Jack Ward, was originally a member and lead singer of The Christian Harmonizers, a group formed by his Itta Bena hometown friends, the Brooks Brothers. Elder Ward recorded three 45's with this group. The group's 1964 recording of “I Don’t Need No Doctor” on Chalice, had soul legend Isaac Hayes on piano, this single was a big gospel hit, remaining on the gospel charts for 2 years. Under the direction of gospel great, Oris Mays, The Christian Harmonizers signed up with Song Bird Records, recording two 45's for that label. Elder Ward then recorded 3, 45's for his own groups. Two 45's were with his group Elder Ward & The Gospel Four on D-Vine Spirituals and one 45 was released on J&B Records with his other group Elder Jack Ward And The Ward Singers.