Knight, however, insisted that Ward release a track that would “captivate the people’s attention,” something “simple.” Knight had enjoyed success with his 1972 hit “I’ve Been Lonely for So Long,” and, after Stax’s first closure, had formed his own record label, Juana Records, to which Ward would later sign.Īfter being presented “Ring My Bell,” the content of which was originally about teens talking on the phone, Ward was not impressed, preferring ballads over the popular disco music of the time. “And something did happen.”Īs work on her debut album continued, Ward was presented the song “Ring My Bell,” originally written by Frederick Knight, a former Stax Records recording artist for a young Stacy Lattisaw. “ suggested that I substitute teach because it would allow me flexibility in my schedule just in case something happened,” Ward recalled.
#ANITA WARD RING MY BELL TRACK LISTING HOW TO#
The song, a modest hit, did not receive much airplay and left Ward unaware of how to support herself financially. While being shopped to different labels, Ward released a single titled “Spoiled by Your Love,” which would later be included on her debut album. “ would take me into different studios to get me accustomed to that feel,” Ward said. After becoming a member of Rust’s famed choir, Ward auditioned for a role in the college’s rendition of the John-Michael Tebelak musical “Godspell.” In the audience was Chuck Holmes, an administrator at Rust and songwriter who would later become Ward’s manager. It wasn’t until Ward was a student at Rust College in Mississippi that she was offered another opportunity of that magnitude. “They called me their little mockingbird.”Ī few years later, after performing in a Black history program, a 14-year-old Ward was offered a recording contract, which was rejected by her parents. “The people were just loving me,” Ward recalled. Ward recalled a story in which she and her grandmother were aboard a train, and Ward, at two years old, gave both her grandmother and the other passengers a glimpse of what would later become her signature light, soprano voice.
Early on, Ward watched as various members of her family displayed a knack for vocalizing, a talent that she says was “probably in my blood.” The lyrics to “Ring My Bell” had made their way onto the breath of Anita Ward, a then 21-year-old college graduate who had no idea that her life was about to change forever, and that her bell would be “ringing” for decades to come.īorn in Memphis, Tennessee, it seems that Anita Ward was destined to have a career in show business. Grab a few songs from each and make your own playlist (don't forget out blocks!) or stick to one genre.In the summer of 1979, one of disco’s most successful and memorable songs was released. We didn’t want to leave you hanging, so NBCLX put together some genre-based playlists to get you started. Garcia said it's especially fun over the holidays. Once they're identified, they can provide some backstory. One of his favorites involves everyone at the party adding a song to the playlist, and when each song plays, everyone tries to figure out who picked it. Playing a game with music can also lighten the mood, Garcia suggested. There are people that are intrigued by things that might not turn you on quite so much, and it’s not your job to be self-serving. "Get out of your ego and get into the moment," Medina explained. "All rooms start soft, but to think that you’ll get it to a fever pitch and keep it at a fever pitch through the entirety of your presentation is a falsehood. “There are many people who are afraid of that silence, afraid of the room softening," Medina said. to keep everyone moving from genre to genre." It's important to use the last few songs "to send everyone off on a high note," he added. You need to get your crowd warmed up."Īfter that, he arranges the music in blocks: "I may do three songs of salsa, three songs of hip-hop, three songs of R&B. Garcia said his strategy, based on his DJ experience, is "to start out a little slower. You can’t always stick to your guns in that regard.”
and they get there and they’re not feeling it," Garcia said. "Say you make this playlist, and you think it’s the best, and you’re ready to blow everyone’s mind. As Medina put it, "You eat dessert last, but dessert is not an afterthought."Īnd be willing to switch gears. Give it the same time and attention that you put into the food and beverages. Never treat the music at your party as an afterthought. Here are their tips to up your music game this holiday season. “You put on the right tune and get everyone vibing on the same page, and it really brings everybody together,” he said. It’s a mindset, said Tony Garcia, DJ and owner of Lucky Records in Miami. But getting your music right involves more than just picking a random playlist on Spotify.