Died On This Date (December 25, 2008) Robert Ward / Bluesman; Played For Motown
themusicsover Robert Ward
October 15, 1938 – December 25, 2008
Robert Ward was a respected blues and R&B guitarist who came to prominence during the ’60s. After moving to Dayton, Ohio from his home in Georgia, Ward formed a group called the Ohio Untouchables which eventually morphed into the popular funk group, the Ohio Players. He later moved to Detroit where he collaborated with many of R&B’s greatest acts, including Wilson Pickett and the Temptations. Ward released several albums of his own as well. They include Fear No Evil, Hot Stuff, and New Role Soul. Robert Ward was 70 when he passed away in his home on December 25, 2008. He had been suffering from a variety of ailments.
Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number 1 Albums for the assist.
What You Should Own
Called the Mother of the Blues, Ma Rainey was one of it’s earliest stars as well as one of it’s first generation to record. She was a direct influence on 
Albert King was a singer and electric guitarists who is considered one of the all-time greats of the blues. What distinguished him from the others is that he was left-handed but played a right-handed guitar upside-down. He also prefered to play what is called a “flying V” guitar that is usually played by metal guitarists. King scored a few minor hits during the early days of his career, but after signing with Stax Records in 1966, he found himself being backed by Booker T. and the MGs on what would become numerous influential records. His hits included “Crosscut Saw” and “Born Under a Bad Sign,” which has since become a blues standard. King has been cited as a direct influence on the likes of 
Pops Staples was the leader and father of renowned gospel and R&B group, the Staple Singers. His daughters Mavis, Cleotha and Yvonne, as well as son Pervis, all performed alongside him in the group. Staples grew up in Mississippi, where he was influenced by listening to or playing with local bluesmen like 