Rich Ward (2)

Born in North Carolina , after moving up to New York he settled in Brooklyn and got a day job while setting about to try to establish a singing career for himself. He played gigs in small NY & Philly clubs and then via his manager (Brooklyn based Wilbur Smith, a local dry cleaning magnate) he landed a booking at Pegleg Bates Country Club in Kerhonkson. This place had him performing in front of audiences of around 5000 folks and by all accounts.. He was wowing the crowds at the club through summer 1969 and on the strength of his performances got to cut a record ("He Will Break Your Heart") with Peg Leg Bates House Band. This escaped on the Hit label (out of 1115 Union St, Brooklyn) and Rich was still with the label in 1973 when he cut "My Baby, She's Gone". He also played guitar and it seems likely then that he played on some of his tracks.