"Swing Low Chariot"- Clara Ward Singers

[MegaBlackisBeautiful]

its funny how back then white people couldn't stand the sight of black people but when it came down to singing it was a whole nother story

[MegaBlackisBeautiful]

SING CLARA and Y'ALL BETTA PRAISE HIM

[jamaicangal1991]

the girl on the end was doin her dance omg this is truly church music

[JayIsTheRealDeal]

thats good ol shoutin

[awillis4575]

I said swing low!!!!!

Yes!!!

[chiefquiet1]

you better SANG CLARA!!!



[tiggerlumptious]

sing clara!!!!!! she know she sangin!!!!

[nerotenore]

This is 100% boss!!!

[jankins24]

This clip was used in the documentary "Rejoice and Shout". I saw it this past Saturday at the West End Cinema in DC... a must see for lovers of Gospel music!

[michaelrowedtheboat]

WOW! Love this track, these ladies do a greay job!

[dukeuke1]

SHE was THEE ONE when I was a kid & had her own TV Show that ROCKED the tube`s in the set till they GLOWED & were made HOLY ! I`m So HAPPY She`s On Now . R.I.P. Sister

[eugenius911]

Probably my favorite clip of the Ward singer on YouTube: they can sing, they can dance, and, they were all beautiful women :)

[aliquebjjolion]

PRAISE BREAK 1:31-1:48

[oliviaclair1]

the legacy continues check out their little cousin LaShawna Moore.

[alphashed]

Ooooh that poor tambourine!! Get up and dance y'all - I am

[saintben2008]

I just don't understand. The Ward Singers clearly put forth moments that are timeless. The Caravans seemed to be more concerned with religious perception. The Caravans were more regimented and disciplined, but the Ward singers did exactly what gospel singers are here to do--reach the soul where nothing else can.

[direfranchement]

@saintben2008

Both of these groups were "regimented and disciplined". If you think that the shouting shown here is spontaneous, you are mistaken. It was very much a part of their act..

[TrueFellowship]

SAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANG CLARA!!!!!!!!!!!!

[GiacomoBerto]

We love you dear Clara!!!!

[snuka12000]

I'm reading the book HOW I GOT OVER: CLARA WARD AND THE WORLD-FAMOUS WARD SINGERS by Clara Ward's sister Willa Ward-Royster. It's deep!

[tony265982]

they can take any song and make it a high-kicking, soulful, joyous time....

[TheOfficialDivo28]

gurlfriend better stomp. That second singer from the lady where clara took the tamb. she put one leg out there. She betta get it!

[MALKIA08]

Talented black women that shows the culture and background of our people form ancient days, Powerful gospel music, My mum and granny use to sing and play these songs at home and i would hear them @ church.

Amen

[eugenius911]

One of my fave Clara Ward clips on Youtube..Such a dynamic performing style, one that I don't associate with other gospel performers from the Golden Era.

[Chimier]

This is SWINGIN'!

[DannyCraig678]

All of the sisters are living the only one dead is clara ward u people dnt knw anything get ya stuff right before u post something that aint true

[Rowoches]

@DannyCraig678: When you're referring to "sisters," I'm not sure if you're speaking of siblings of Clara's -or- females in the group, but as far as siblings, there were only 2: Clara and Willa. And yes, Willa Ward is still living. As far as group members, there are several who have passed over the years. There are a few that don't sing anymore and several who are still going strong.

I also agree that some people should be mindful of what they post.

[blacklion833]

Love it!!!

[alphashed]

Thank you for posting this. I used to live to hear the Clara Ward Singers on Sat nite on Hullabaloo in the early 60's. I have been a big fan for the last 55 years, there is none like this! This ol' white boy was changed forever because of groups like Clara Ward & singers like Mahalia Jackson, Rev. Jas. Cleveland, The Soul Stirrers, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Swan Silvertones on and on....

[DannyCraig678]

@alphashed stop lying clara ward was died in 1954

[Rowoches]

@DannyCraig678: Clara Ward died in 1973.

[THERIGHTREVEREND]

@DannyCraig678 Clara Ward died in 1973 and Clara on had one sister, Willa. Willa is living. And all of these facts in dispute are available in numerous sources. But start with Anthony Helibut's comprehensive book "The Gospel Sound". There are plenty of groups and singers highlighted in it for you to check out. Great read, too.

[TheOfficialDivo28]

@DannyCraig678 she did not die in 1954. She died in 1973, get facts straight. thanks!

[17mark1717]

@DannyCraig678 Clara ward died in 1973 after having a series of strokes brought about by years of drinking. Look it up on Wikipedia. Fascinating life. She is one the "UNSUNG" I hope that one day I get to make a movie about her life. I hope nobody beats me to the punch. LOL

[Rowoches]

@17mark1717: Wikipedia has sum accurate information, but really isn't a valid source when doing research; anyone can add to the site. She did drink & she did have several strokes, but as Willa Ward always says, "If Clara would've listened to the doctors, she would still be here." The doctors told her to stop singing so hard. As with many singers who are dedicated, they just can't give up their passion of singing. It would be great to see a movie about Clara! May I be in it? LOL!

[17mark1717]

@Rowoches Of course but are u a guy or a girl. I will definitely need a consultant such as u. 

[Rowoches]

@17mark1717: It's cool. I could play a groupie or their towel boy. LOL!

[17mark1717]

@Rowoches I see u r a guy. I just checked out ur picture. LOL

[Rowoches]

@17mark1717: Well, I'm glad you figured it out. LOL!

[bxstatuz]

that is how god like it he like when the music is up beat and fun

[marketjesus]

I wish I was a Clara Ward Singer. They had FUN on stage!

[jesusboy1997]

You Notice They Are The Only Black Folks There

[Rowoches]

@jesusboy1997: Yep! But during that time, that was nothing surprising. Many of the Black singers performed for all-White audiences, especially Mahalia Jackson and The Ward Singers. Even in countries abroad.

[alphashed]

@Rowoches Yes but those blessed white folks are sure doing their best to get down ain't they? LOLOLOL

[Moss7373]

Hi, when i look at these great wemen dancing,singing,for the lord it bring back so many memorys.Listen at that soprona,atlos listen,pure anoited voices,then turn an dance the real holy dances not the club dance,an then say ''it's alright'' why place the unclean/w the holy clean.The singing today has unnecessary runs in them,no holy ghost,just flat ..no anoiting in the voice,no power in the singing;just a few.. i am sad what's happening?.

[moe4psu23]

YES!

[57Will]

An awesome performance!

[jddrew1000]

Thanks Dwayne, may I suggest you do a tribute to James Cleveland, Sallie Martin, Albertina Waler, or Mattie Harper (when did she die?)

If u cant thats ok

[Rowoches]

I've already done a tribute to James Cleveland, Sallie Martin, and Albertina Walker. I posted them like 2 yrs ago. All you have to do is go to my channel and type in "Tribute to..." the three names you listed above. I haven't done a tribute to Mattie Harper, maybe in the future. Also, you asked under 2 other videos when Mattie H died, and I replied to one. My answer was 'I don't know when she died, but it was a while ago.'

[preacherfemale]

The girls are working it............

[awillis4575]

Swing low!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[themostbeautifulone]

Amazing! Joyful! Entertaining! She was the greatest. What happened to this kind of soulful, passionate, gospel singing?

[SingerInc]

SHE PLAYING THAT TAMBOURINE!!!!

[Rowoches]

Lol! And she still does!

[Speezerina]

SMU! My alma mater!

[ursulamajor2000]

Clara Ward's my cousn!

[Mrsstanford4life]

Man.... This is awsome. Just singing to give God the Glory... Now we sing for fashion and fame... I wish Ms. Ward was still here to tell us how to do this thing...

[kronk99]

1:38 the Holy Ghost huckle buck at its best!!!!

[PAF149]

Vermettya is holding it down with them legs ya'll!.....lol! YESSAH!~

[ElderPinkerton]

Dwayne! I watch this over and over. I'm gonna get me a group and just bite all this off of Clara Ward! YOU WATCH ME! LOL!

If I dare say I have a favorite CWS singer, it would be Malvilyn Statham with her great smile, bad tamborine, and that nasty foot work! I LOVE IT!

[greatness615]

Love these elegantisters singer...tambourine and the foot work...what are other videos where they are dancing

[Rowoches]

There's footoage of them on the Flip Wilson Show posted. They dance for a while on there.

[greatness615]

Which footage was it that is posted....I want to view..

[Rowoches]

If you look to the right of the screen, under the "Related Videos," you can find a couple of things. However, the person who posted the Flip Wilson Show is called 'taddypoe'

[VanHoorelbeke]

Saw Clara Ward at a place called Solomons temple on 7 mile rd in Detroit in the mid 60s, I was just a kid but will never forget it.

[ElderPinkerton]

My daddy had an LP of Clara Ward that we played until it was worn out and STILL play. They were so dynamic and explosive. They took charge of the atmosphere. They just rocked it! INCREDIBLE!!!

[cd81]

See, we think we're cutting steps in church now, but after this video, we ought to be ashamed of ourselves getting tired after 10 seconds! These women are seriously dancing before God in heels and still got energy for days!!

[Johnzoe777]

They were before my time I thought we had church by in the 70's-80's but I see they had church back then.That make me want to dance.

[dinasaur2]

yep...the best

[dinasaur2]

takes me back to0 when I was a kid just discovering the greatest era of American culture. The blues and gospel...

[PorSuGloria]

I ain't mad them, Vaudeville praisers...LOL...I love these old videos of the saints...

[machai400]

WHO DOES THAT!

[crunkface11]

Those are some Dancin and sangin Sistahs

[POP8836]

gospel is a great thing to no and listen to  cause without god we are no body.

[DiAcorea]

I can hear instances in this song, and automatically see why she is listed among Aretha's greatest musical influences.

[Leslie4Him]

You have a gem! Thank you so much for sharing!

[Snowhill3]

the man @ 2:04 is really feelin this song, although he's off beat

[BABADUCATO]

WAAAAAAAAAAAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[daftquotation]

the greatest music i ever heard, but the audience a little white for my personal tastes. where are my peoples?

[Rowoches]

That's what I liked about Clara Ward, Mahalia, and many others. They were admired among audiences outside of their race...and they still SAAANG! Sho'nuff. But this particular footage was recorded at a White college in the early 60's...Southern Methodist University.

[DiAcorea]

I concur. Think of Mahalia, for example. As popular as she was with people of color in the US, she was an even bigger star in Europe, where the audiences were even "whiter".

[jesusboy1997]

Hello ummm yeah but what is on her head??????

[Rowoches]

If you think that's something, you should've seen the wigs they were in later years.

[crunkface11]

Complete praise, HALLEUJAH

[jesusboy1997]

i LOVED it

[shortycasper]

The lady on the left was working that tambourine!!

[blessedover]

you see clara took it and then they got to work lol

[dixon36]

Sorry if I am repeating a question, but what show is this? This is an amazing performance.

[Rowoches]

The show is called The Hootenanny

[chamunda35]

They surely can dance.....

[lex1eleven]

what year is this from?

[Rowoches]

I believe this is from 1963.

[ZebFAN08]

This is quite an addicting video.. What emotion! Thanks so much for sharing this. By any chance, does someone have alearer version or another live version of her singing this? I would love to hear it.

[AyeInTee]

Dwayne, you and your Ward Singers!! LOL! They are tearing it up tho!

[MUZIKNFILMZ]

Clara & The Girls used to give 'em FEVAH!!

I love to see them bust out and do those holy dances!---They did a good documentary of Mahalia back in 1997...They need to do one of Clara Ward and The Ward Singers too!

[PierreGarin]

Wonderful Rowoches! How did you get that?..I've been looking for years to find videos of Clara! Thank you so much!

[Rowoches]

I have several sources in which I have received most of my materials. This particular footage happens to be on a 3-DVD set called THE BEST OF THE HOOTENANNY.

[PurpleSnowman29]

Those wonderful anointed ladies were truly endowed by the holy spirit, especially during this performance.

[PennTrafford]

How in the world can those girls dance like that in those stiletto high heels?

[DannyCraig678]

@PennTrafford they are not stillettos the are regular pointy too shoes

[VelvetViolator]

@PennTrafford Because in that days the girls were girls. In our days we have very much man-like girls.

[fri21Dec2012]

i thought the words went "swing down chariot, stop and let me ride...

"rock me Lord...calm and easy gotta home on the other side" am i thinking of the same song?

[Rowoches]

There are many arrangements of the song. "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," "Swing Down Chariot," etc. The Clara Ward Singers just do one of the many arrangements.

[joko9395]

This is the best video of Clara on youtube.

[themusicman53]

this video is like crack i been hook on this 1 since i first saw it

[Rowoches]

LOL! You are funny!

Yes, all of them are still living. Yes, that's Malvilyn, on the end, is still living. The lady next to her is Vermettya Royster, and she's still living out in California. The one next to her is Adele Schofield, and she's still living out in Cali. The one on the opposite end is Geraldine Jones, and from what I know, she's still alive also.

[jollysincere]

wooo!!!! that woman on the end with that tamberine was doing a piece of HOLY WALKING! that gal was gone! and in high heel to booth! whew!

[Rowoches]

LOL!! That's Malvilyn Statham....and she can STILL move today!!

[ATLPianist]

Thanks so much for keeping this music alive! Clara Ward was awesome! Do you have anymore videos of her?

[Rowoches]

You're welcomed.

Yes, I do have other videos of Clara Ward, but I cannot upload them to YouTube b/c of the strict copyrights.

[facebeater]

It's great to see Vermettya on this clip, thanks for sharing.

[toniwhite12]

at 1:56 she caught the holy ghost you can see it in her face good god!!

[steven2312]

GOD BLess YOU!!!!!

[Johnzoe777]

Thank you again my brother for bring us such good gosple, old school style,watching this clip brings tears to my eyes,the tears of joy,because I'am a praiser myself,and Clara Ward & her singers are sure nuff praisers.I pray that all of us can go back to the old time way of praising God.

[2010KH]

Now that's what you call "Happy Feet"!! My mom told me this was my grnadmother's favorite gospel group. Thanks for making our night with all of your Clara Ward posts!!

[Rowoches]

LOL!! Yes, indeedy! Happy Feet!

I'm glad that you and yours are enjoying my posts!

[blessedover]

I know they feet messed up from doing all this stuff back in the day

[Rowoches]

Actually, no! The ones who are still around are still in good shape, especially Madeline Thompson. She's still tearing the stages up in Los Angeles!

[appetancy]

Marion's tooth had a star on it. She said that was the style in Miami when she was a teenager. For a girl who had lived barefoot until she was nine, a gold tooth was a sign of moving on up. Anyone remember when Moms Mabley removed her teeth on national television?  And Gladys Knight waved at her, "go ahead"?

[blessedover]

they on one foot we need to bring this back I don't care if it's just one day

[blessedover]

Let me buy this from you I'm not playing

[Rowoches]

I can't sell it, however, you can find this on a DVD-set titled, THE BEST OF THE HOOTENANNY, as well as the footage of Marion Williams & the Stars of Faith singing "Packin Up" and "Live The Life I Sing About."

[blessedover]

Just playing but I'm still looking for it

[robbieware]

thank you so much, wishing to see more clara, and this was an answer to prayer

[PurpleSnowman29]

Clara Ward and The ladies sure had the spirit, cause the audience was going wild, The Holy Ghost fever is the best. lol.

[PurpleSnowman29]

Work it Malvilyn and Vermettya. Anointed, anointed, and holy ghost filled. I can't stop watching.

[appetancy]

Agnes Jackson is an elegant shouter. A few years ago the new Ward Singers performed at New York's Lincoln Center. Agnes must have been well over 70. But she danced throughout the evening and hit so many notes over high C that I lost count! Tall, classy looking dame whom Willy Leiser, the famous promoter of gospel music in Europe, once called the best soprano he had heard sing with a gospel group. Still living too, I believe.

[Rowoches]

Yes, indeedy, Agnes is very elegant! Yes, she's still living out in California.

[WoodeytheBigEyedOne]

Not only is Agnes an elegant shouter, but she is a no-nonsense person. I read how she stood up to Gertrude.

[Rowoches]

There are a lot of things that weren't placed in the book. Agnes wasn't the only singer in the group that stood up to Gertrude. Many of the younger group members did. The book only mentioned that one incident with Agnes.

[JayEm86]

I can see those younger members standing up to her. "I ain't lettin' that old (bleep) push me around, lookin' like an ole broke down mess of a skunk with that stripe on her wig and that gold tooth!"

LOL! Ya'll pray for me!

[Rowoches]

Gold TEETH...not gold tooth, meaning 1...LOL! She's a true OG! The first person in history to have fronts, or shall I say, 'a grill'. LOL!

[JayEm86]

So saying that Paul Wall and Nelly were influcenced by the Ward Singers wouldn't be a stretch at all now wouldn't it? lol.

[Rowoches]

No, you're getting it all wrong! They weren't influenced by the Ward Singers, b/c the Ward Singers, collectively, didn't have all the gold teeth and stuff going on. I'd rather say that they were influenced by Gerty Gert, herself! LOL!

[JayEm86]

Well, how about we just say "a Ward Singer"? Don't wanna get it twisted, lol. I do know though that Marion and Clara had a gold "toofus" each too.

[Rowoches]

That's the difference. Marion Williams had one gold tooth, but that was way after she left the Ward Singers. Clara, from some of the pics and videos I have, had at most 2 at the same time. GERTRUDE WARD had a whole row of golds at the top and I'm not exaggerating. LOL!

[1joker88]

dwayne what is with you and knowing the histories of gospel great's teeth? From Mahalia's dentures to Gerties row- what's next? Brother Joe May's root canal?

[Rowoches]

No, but when you've been into certain people for a while, and when you know people who knew them personally, you learn these things...

[appetancy]

Now, of the original Ward Singers, Henrietta Waddy did dance. In her own way with one arm held out. Marion shouted on occasion but she was sanctified so it was expected. Waddy and Madame Ward were approximately the same age and both hailed from South Carolina. The story of the holy dance is very complicated and interesting. College students, you've got thesis material there!

[appetancy]

I saw that clip! Clara jumped but as for cutting an actual step, not that I remember. The distinction was a big one. Many Baptists would hop. Gertrude Ward did it all the time. Of course, in private, many Baptists could and would dance. But it was considering playing Sanctified. It was not how they got happy. The first time Julius Cheeks started dancing, it revolutionized the quartet field. Now shouting ("we do the holy dance") is part of the routine.

[Rowoches]

I consider what Clara did on the Flip Wilson Show "jumping." That wasn't even close to what Clara did on that episode of the Mike Douglas Show. Now, she never down-right shuffled her feet like Malvilyn Statham, Madeline Thompson, Mildred Means, or Vermettya Royster....she never swooped down and around like Viola Crowley, but she surely wasn't prissy like Agnes Jackson. Clara was doing her little '2-step' and spinning in circles...looking so adorable (smile).

[BABADUCATO]

...with them pigeon-toes.

[stan630a]

Where was this performance held at?

[Rowoches]

It was held on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.

[PurpleSnowman29]

Them sisters sho' could move in high heel pumps. Truly anointed!!

[appetancy]

Clara NEVER shouted. Back in the Golden Age, Baptists almost never danced. Among the very few I've seen shout were Edna Gallmon Cooke, Frances Steadman, and male singers like Alex Bradford and James Cleveland. But there was also a subtler reason. She was winking at the church folk. "We all know this is show biz and we're bordering on the sacrilegious. But there are some things I just won't do." She was asserting her boss' prerogative.

[Rowoches]

As I mentioned to a couple of people before, I have an episode of the Mike Douglas Show where Clara DOES shout and she fit RIGHT in with Malvilyn and Vermettya! (smile). Then after they ended the song, Mike Douglas came over and started shouting with them. Clara and Mike were both out of breath afterwards. It was something to see.

[Taddypoe]

You didn't warn me, Rowoches. lol I didn't know they were going to break it off like that. Malvilyn made me spill my coffee. lol Sista broke it OFF ! ! They were jamming. I'm about to watch it again (for the 4th time). You are the man, Rowoches.

[Rowoches]

LOL! Glad u like!

[direfranchement]

Alright Rowoches, here you go out-doing yourself again! My favorite spiritual of all time, with the possible exception of "Deep River". Of course Clara Ward makes it high-octane. I love it when Ms. Statham passes the tambourine to Clara so she can step on. I'm guessing by this point Clara was the oldest of the lineup, and a little beyond that kind of dancing lol! Gosh...this is just mmmmh mmmmh good :) !!!

[Rowoches]

Clara was a older than the others, but she was still young. She really didn't do a lot of shouting like the other members did...on all of the footage that I have of her, she was a bit reserved, while the other girls went to town. LOL!

[kbolden07]

Help yo got dawg on self Clara. Rowoches this is the best going to college gift I have ever received!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL!

[Rowoches]

LOL! Well, Amen!! I'm glad u like it. You know when I come down there, wherever, you'll have to strike this one up!

[kbolden07]

I hear that, I'm ready now LOL!

[JayEm86]

You've done it yet again. 5 Stars for this rare treat!

[handelfan610]

you really like making me move my furniture dont you....she killed it...as always...and my buddy on the tamborine was cutting up too.

[Rowoches]

LMBO!! Go'head, Go'head!! Yeah, Malvilyn was goin to town!!

[handelfan610]

i'ma start charging you for everytime i tear this here carpet...and she went to town alright...and i was right behind her...i feel like shouting again....lawd i feel weak...MATTIE! get me a blanket...*goes down.

[Rowoches]

You have me over here dying of laughter!! You are crazy!

[handelfan610]

yeah i'm crazy...but where i come from they spell it cogic lol...yessuh "praise him till yo knees get tired and yo mouth get try then take a break fix yo wig and do all over again" church of god in christ. lol that is what they should have named it.

[Rowoches]

Well, that's alright!! Help ya'self!!

[handelfan610]

you dont have to tell me twice...shondo! lol

[jankins24]

I get it... you are trying to make me hurt myself, Rowoches, huh? LOL  Another good post, bruh!

[Rowoches]

LOL! Well, you're hurtin yourself for a good cause! Lawd hammercy!

[DLuame]

Simply Wow!

[DaSourcespr06]

If Malvilyn don't get that praise out! And Vermettya lifting up that leg..lol, bless them, i really enjoyed this!

[Rowoches]

Yeah, Vermettya was known for that little "kick." LOL!

[handelfan610]

gospel meets the radio city rockettes!

[PurpleSnowman29]

Moma used to call them Gospel Showgirls and she said in a good way. Now we know why. lol.

[Darneloh]

Mavilyn betta beat that tamborine and they knew how to get on the good foot didn't they!

[Rowoches]

Sho'nuff!! I like how Geraldine Jones just stands to the side clapping, almost as if she's cheering them on. LOL! Nobody could shout like Malvilyn! And Vermettya got them QUICK feet! Adele is so sophisticated!