Solid!

Born

• September 19, 1916
• New York, NY

Died

• April 21, 1998
• Arlington, VA

Marriage

• Albert Marx (1937)

Helen Ward

Considered by many to be the best vocalist of the swing era, Helen Ward is most remembered for her work with Benny Goodman. In addition to her sensous stage presence and warm voice Ward had a fine sense of musical timing. Singing on such classics as ''Goody Goody'' and ''These Foolish Things,'' she helped set the tone for the emergence of swing as a national craze in 1935.

In 1937 Ward left Goodman to get married to wealthy jazz patron Albert Marx. Though she no longer toured she continued singing, recording with Teddy Wilson that same year and Gene Krupa in 1938 on his band's first session. In 1939 she appeared on the Camel Caravan radio program with Bob Crosby and recorded with Harry James in 1941. She later returned to full-time band work, joining Hal McIntyre in the early 1940s and appearing with Harry James in 1943 and 1944.

Prior to being hired by Goodman in 1934 she had appeared with Freddie Martin and Enric Madriguera. In later years she occasionally reunited with the King of Swing, eventually retiring to Falls Church, Virginia. Helen Ward passed away in 1998.