"Meeting Tonight/This Little Light"- Clara Ward Singers

[@eugeniawatson1604]

This is the gospel I grew up with. It lets me know if they made it I can too. Praise the Lord

[@MrChoirDirector87]

Mildred NOTE HOLDING Means! My God what breathe control! She just stood there flat footed live and wreck the house. That’s why them Ward singers were top notch! ❤️

[@glennbarnard3853]

Her notes were incredible

[@Rowoches]

Yes indeedy! Mildred could hold those notes for days. Lol! She is one of the people I hold dear to my heart and I am so glad to call jer my friend. She will be 95 years young at the end of the month.

[@MzKimsBlingBar]

Wow! I didn't know our people were singing Gospel in France too during that era. They are so good!

[@birdlover6842]

They don't make music like this anymore. Sure is refreshing to listen to.

[@raystar8]

I did'nt know that Thelma Jackson sang with this set of Clara Ward singers and i agree that Mildred Means is holding that Soprano all the way to one's house(Rowoches)!Many thanks to you and Mrs.Willa Ward Royster for sharing this video!

[@iwinzeazy]

Thinking same thing 💯🇺🇲

[@lamiaallen7830]

I L💖VE Clara Ward & those lovely young ladies💯🎯🎤🎹🎵🥁 Go Head ON✔✔✔

[@Rowoches]

My favorites!

[@marchurb-inspiration4979]

Lord God I almost lost at the end of workday with this singing. In search of video footage of my grandmother, who was one of the original Clara Ward singers

[@Rowoches]

@marchurb-inspiration4979 What's your grandmother's name?

[@marchurb-inspiration4979]

@@Rowoches I believe back then she was Clara Smith before she married to McGill. The group picture sat on her mantle my whole life and seems to have been lost after she passed about 27 years ago.

[@Rowoches]

@marchurb-inspiration4979 The only Clara's I knew were a part of the group were Clara Ward & Clara Thomas. Would Clara Thomas happen to be the same person?

[@JewelsR4ever]

My friend .... the legendary Mildred Means ... I just shed a tear watching this. She made it look effortless. Thx, little brother for introducing me to this great lady. I shall never forget that night. We were on the phone a long time. Lol. May she rest in eternal peace. 💜🎶

[@Rowoches]

Yes indeedy!! It's just amazing how time flies. She was truly a sweet lady and very appreciative for EVERYTHING!

[@deaundreeturner3688]

I love this! And when she hold that note OH MY LAWDY!

[@brendonwashington474]

I believe that Clara was very proud of her singers just looking at her face

[@Rowoches]

I believe the same thing.

[@estherford3806]

THELMA JACKSON OF BALTIMORE MD. SINGING AN MILDRED MEANS THE NOTE HOLDING QUEEN. GREAT.

[@MetropolitanSoul]

Breathtaking

[@ladaviousrobinson2918]

mildred is one of my favorite soprano singers. I wonder could she still blow them high notes like she did in her younger days

[@Rowoches]

Mildred Means' last solo was in 2001, when she was 82 years old. Though she had to lower the keys of the songs, she would still hit notes. She told me that an illness caused her voice to drop and eventually she couldn't sing anymore. She loved reminiscing though. Mildred passed away in November (2016) at the age of 98. She lived a loooong life! I really miss her a lot! She was one of the Ward Singers I would keep in contact with the most.

[@WoodeyTimothy]

Mildred held those notes for ransom ! I Love her !

[@ioxxd90]

Well dinner has been served 😊😊😊

[@bettybrown4385]

Steven Majors z

[@WoodeyTimothy]

EVerytime I watch this video I laugh at the 1:15 mark when Clara glances as Mildred before she hits the note like she's saying "ALRIGHT MILDRED GET READY!" lol

[@Slaychelle]

I LOVE "Meeting Tonight" - one of my favourites that the Clara Ward singers did. I love when they mixed it with "Come In the Room". Could you imagine this ensemble with Marion and Agnes added? The slayage would be devastating.

[@joehow100]

I am sincere when I say this . When you post these performances by the Great Clara Ward it,s like you have brought her back from the grave to continue to bless and inspire . And thats wonderful . Again thank you . God bless .

[@cleaningtim]

Wonderful.....is all I can say ! If you don't have the spirit after hearing this song and this Wonderful Group. you never will have the spirit.

[@GraylingForReal]

They are the best!

[@Rowoches]

I agree!

[@steven2312]

I love that soprano!!

[@lisablack124]

Miss Mildred Means is Glorious.

[@joehow100]

Brilliant !!! Rowoches you made my Sat. God bless you and Miss Willa Ward for sharing these wonderful performances .

[@mahatma171]

My goodness.... They were rolling weren't they? This was a blessing to hear Rowoches, thanks so much to Miss Willa Ward for allowing you to share it with us.

[@diasheciabarry2206]

I love this so much? Go head!

[@klak9411]

They Killed it! Praise Jah!

[@athorpe630]

My my that Soprano note amazing.

[@Rowoches]

Yes, indeed! That's the late Mildred Means, who was known for holding those notes.

[@bennyadler5882]

1:16 a soprano Marvin Jr.

[@mauriceedwardj3112]

Wow! I don't know if I'm more impressed with the sanging or the hair-dos. I love the blonde in the front LOL.

[@Rowoches]

That's the late Thelma Jackson with the blonde. She happened to be from my hometown of Baltimore, Maryland. Thelma wore that blonde quite a bit, before the Ward Singers and after. :-)

[@mauriceedwardj3112]

Rowoches Get it Thelma. She could sing and was hip lol. Their heads were laid in almost every performance. Those buns did NOT move lol.

[@Rowoches]

Yeah, they always had everything under control. Lol!

[@duanewadefan]

Did she hold that note like yeah and? I live! That's flat foot singing.

[@Rowoches]

Lol!!! I'm glad that you've enjoyed!

[@dburns9435]

Yes indeed!!!!!! She wasn't playing..lol

[@ceddymack9127]

Mildred and Thelma Both are some tough Ladies with that Soprano..

[@DWJazzlover]

MILDRED MEANS Works That Note!! Thank You! My First Love played for them in the late 50s and the stories.. I love The Ward Singers. Just ordered her sisters book.

[@Rowoches]

My goddad was very close with Clara, Willa & Mother Ward. He was also friends with the earlier group: Marion Williams, Kitty Parham, Thelma Jackson, Frances Steadman & Esther Ford. I've heard stories as well. LOL! Some people didn't like the book, but I though it was great! It's good to know that even those we look up to are human!

[@DWJazzlover]

You are so right they are human.. I met Mamma Ward my impression was she was about the business!! Entertainers in those days were ripped off a lot so some of might be what she had to do. I can hardly wait for the book. I love your site! I have been here for days..I teach Black History at out Local Library and I did one on Black history thru music. I gave a brief gospel history and when it became mainstream. I have been asked to do it one more time this fall. I plan to go more indepth on the Gospel roots and brother you have it all here for me!! Thanks... Much appreciated..

[@MarkReillyRoyalJones]

❤❤❤

[@ReddzVoice]

Flawless; of course! Peace and love...

[@Corn28]

Yall singing!!!!! I enjoyed this. This kicked off my morning. Thanks for posting!

[@melodyl52]

Wow! What a great performance! So much energy here. Thank you for posting it. God bless you and Miss Willa Ward...

[@Rowoches]

Lol! I'm glad that you enjoyed!! Mildred can go for a while, for sure!

[@Slaychelle]

YUHS, HALLELU! Praise him sistas! Mildred gorl yas!

[@AmberMargo]

I start off my day every morning listening to this, I can't get enough!! I'm overdosing on The Clara Ward singers & i'm loving every minute of it..hehe Thanx so much for uploading this Dwayne :) Much Luv

[@Rowoches]

Yes, Mildred Means is still living and she is now in her 90's. She's definitely a sweetheart of mine!

[@djisrich2]

That high note wow

[@GospelHero]

I've watched this so many times! Mildred looks like one of those church mothers who gives mean looks when she catches you misbehaving in church! Lol

[@Rowoches]

Glad you enjoyed! Peace & Love right back atcha!

[@melaninwarrior6420]

man that note

[@samuelestrellag-gallardo5242]

AMEN

[@Rowoches]

You're most definitely welcomed!

[@Rowoches]

Thelma Jackson passed away in 1992. Though I've never met her physically, I know several people who attended her church in Baltimore. I've heard quite a bit about her, outside of the Ward Singers. She was definitely loved by maaaaaaaaaaany people!

[@Calvin375]

What year was Thelma Jackson born?

[@olcam6071]

@@Calvin3751923

[@Rowoches]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@jimmyjimmyist]

I knew Thelma Jackson and her sister Gloria Jackson who managed The Sensationa Vashti Singers of Baltimore, Maryland. May the both R.I.P. until we meet again.

[@CraneandA1]

By any chance is there any earlier recordings of them. My grandmother Lou Ella Williams sang with them early on. Trying to see if I can find anything. Thank you.

[@Rowoches]

Ahhh! Thanks so much and you're definitely welcomed. Take care and continue to enjoy!

[@Rowoches]

No problem! God Bless You also!

[@ericajones3980]

These are some real saved sisters right here!! Alright now. They were so much more conservative back then, then we are today.

[@lekijolo5584]

SANG!!! My boyfriend's mother looks just like Clara Ward!!!

[@azzariocarter3369]

My hair styles go divas

[@TanieBaker]

Mildred GEESH!!!

[@Rowoches]

Ooooh yes! Lol! No one like her!

[@olcam6071]

Thelma was so beautiful goodness🤣

[@jalenwhite2520]

Okay ima need a tutorial on how they did those hairstyles.

[@Rowoches]

Oh yes!!! Lol! So glad you enjoyed! Thanks for stopping by!

[@ellieellie9341]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@lisablack8804]

I would love to know how many females if possible could hold a note as long as Miss Mildred Means wow.

[@Rowoches]

I have heard some come close, but Mildred was a pro! For sure!

[@latoyamoore892]

To see another powerful vocal performance look at Rachelle Farrell _With Open Arms_ performed at The Apollo here on KZbin.

[@Rowoches]

Lol! I can handle that! Truth be told, that vid with Mondo, we had to sing it so fast before time ran out on the camera; I couldn't catch my breath too well. Lol! I'll take my time with this one. I am dying over here. LOL

[@latoyamoore892]

Uncle Jimmy!!

[@gvnEmperorrahpower]

Who is the lady singing the lead

[@Rowoches]

@@gvnEmperorrahpower The late Thelma Jackson is singing lead, and the late Mildred Means is holding the high note.

[@TanieBaker]

Does anyone know the name of the piano player?

[@Rowoches]

The organist's name is Al Williams

[@TanieBaker]

@@Rowoches Thank you ☺️

[@c.ivanjohnson3521]

COME THROUGH MILDRED!

[@Rowoches]

Yessuh!!! How have you been?

[@RamardoTHunt]

That's what you call "sho nuff sanging"

[@toniwhite12]

ooo i wanna join the group

[@GospelHero]

Rowoches - Do you know if Geraldine Jones and Mildred Means are still alive?

[@Rowoches]

I believe Geraldine Jones is still around, but Mildred Means passed away last month at the age of 98.

[@vahospital8689]

How is Mavelyne Statem doing?

[@StephenSpaur]

I LOVE this song!!! Who is the soprano?

[@Rowoches]

The soprano is the late Mildred Means.

[@Rowoches]

Stay tuned... LOL! Which part would you sing?

[@terrellcampbell2875]

Believe it or not I do sing and sustain in Mildred's range

[@GospelHero]

Great post as usual! Is Mildred still living?

[@toniwhite12]

ok rowoches ive compared how long you can hold a high note to Mildred's how? i looked at your video with mondo and you held it for 10 seconds i looked at this video and she held out for 16 seconds at first and 20 seconds on the second so you will have to sing mildred's part lol

[@toniwhite12]

just let me know when the first rehearsal is lol

[@sainteyebeat2435]

During what years was Thelma Jackson a member of the Clara Ward Singers?

[@Rowoches]

I don't know exact dates, but in the late 1940's and early 50's, she and Frances Steadman joined the Clara Ward Specials. In the later 50's, a few years before the break-up in 1958, Thelma Jackson was with the Famous Ward Singers. With both of those groups, she recorded songs. After the new group came after 1958, Thelma Jackson would assist them from time.

[@sainteyebeat2435]

Thanks. You never know, of course, but she appears in the videos you have uploaded to be a very kind woman.

[@lisablack124]

The only other person I knew could do this is the singer from the Dells he was amazing .

[@ericmichael6024]

Where is viola Crowley

[@Rowoches]

She's not at this particular concert. Not sure of where she may have been.

[@Rowoches]

For sure, buddy! LOL

[@musimages23]

your postings are a true blessing wonderful special music . I would like to know when did Mildred leave the group?

[@Rowoches]

Thank you very much! I appreciate you and your encouragement. Mildred Means left the group in the later part of the 1960's. I don't have an exact year, but Agnes Jackson was her replacement, and I believe it was mentioned that Agnes joined in 1969. Mildred continued to sing locally (Los Angeles) and made solo appearances until 2001. Unfortunately, Mildred passed away in November of 2016, but she lived a long, full life!

[@Rowoches]

Yeah man! Lol!

[@auroradarienzo]

[@Rowoches]

Mmmm Hmmm....will do! This is gonna be a chorale eventually. LOL! We have 5 original members, and we've added 4 extra people. We gon' take the house on ALL our programs! Hahahaha!!!

[@Rowoches]

Yeah man! Mildred was TOUGH!

[@Rowoches]

Lol!!

[@Rowoches]

LOL! Alright, it's a deal!!

[@4eva68]

;0)

[@Rowoches]

Well, we can say that your hearing is good. Lol

[@MrKITCHENTALK]

Mildred Means didn't make funny faces like Marion Williams but Lord when she needed Air they better watch her for that Hand signal.

[@Rowoches]

Lol!!! Come on then...

[@toniwhite12]

LOL ok