Matthew Ward (singer)
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| Matthew Ward | |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Matthew Ward |
| Born | 1958 |
| Origin |  |
| Genre(s) | CCM, Jesus Music |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | Singing |
| Years active | 1972-present |
| Label(s) | Myrrh Records Sparrow |
| Associated acts | 2nd Chapter of Acts |
| Website | matthewward.com |
Matthew Ward is one of the pioneers of the Jesus music genre, later to be called Contemporary Christian music. He is best known as a part of the trio, 2nd Chapter of Acts in which he sang and performed with his sisters, Annie Herring and Nellie (Ward) Greisen. However, during his musical career with the 2nd Chapter of Acts from 1973 to 1988, he also recorded solo albums and continues to record and perform his solo work to the present time (2007).
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[edit] Early history
Matthew's music and ministry was in no small part, forged from personal family tragedy. In 1968 his mother, Elizabeth Ward, died of a brain tumor; two years later his father, Walter, died of leukemia leaving him and his youngest sister, Nelly, orphaned. The Ward siblings all decided that Matthew's older sister, Annie, and her new husband, record producer Buck Herring, should take in the two younger Ward siblings.[1]
Matthew's older sister, Annie, was a self styled (and self taught) singer and song writer who wrote and played her songs around the family piano. Matthew and sister, Nelly, would often join in as Annie played, and eventually they developed extremely tight and intricate harmonies.[2][3]
As the trio gradually started singing for local coffee houses and small gatherings, they eventually gained the notice of Pat Boone who arranged a contract to record and release two singles with MGM, "Jesus Is" (1972), recorded on Matthew's 13th birthday, and "I'm So Happy" (1973). The fledgling trio also came to the attention of 1960s folk singer Barry McGuire, who had recently become a Christian and was preparing to record his first Christian music album, produced by Buck Herring. The siblings provided background vocals for Seeds and McGuire's 1974 follow-up Lighten Up.
[edit] Recent History
Following his career with the 2nd Chapter of Acts, Matthew Ward has recorded many more solo works and also works in the music industry as a background & jingle vocalist. He has worked with other such artists as Donna Summer, Leann Rimes, Randy Stonehill, Sandi Patti, Dennis Jernigan and many others.
Interestingly, he is also credited for producing and appearing as a backup vocal on the 2003 album For Now recorded by 2007 American Idol winner Jordin Sparks.
[edit] Discography
- Christmas with Matthew Ward - 2006
- Even Now - 2000
- Vintage Collection - 1999
- My Redeemer - 1997
- Point of View - 1992
- Matthew Ward Collection - 1992
- Fortress - 1990
- Fade To White - 1988
- Armed :& Dangerous - 1986
- Toward Eternity - 1979
