Asaph Alexander Ward is an American gospel music producer, songwriter, arranger, and vocal coach known for his work with prominent gospel artists and award-recognized recordings.[1][2] Ward has collaborated with artists including Kim Burrell, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Smokie Norful, Donnie McClurkin, The Clark Sisters, Fred Hammond, Virtue,[3] Crystal Aikin, Chrystal Rucker, Maranda Curtis,[4] and Maurette Brown Clark.[5][6] Recordings produced or contributed to by Ward have received recognition from the Grammy Awards, Stellar Awards, GMA Dove Awards, BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards, and the NAACP Image Awards. [7]Several projects associated with Ward have also appeared on Billboard gospel charts.[8] Ward is also a personal development coach and public speaker who has presented on topics related to creativity, faith, and personal growth.[9]
Ward developed his musical foundation through church music and vocal training, which later informed his work as a producer, songwriter, and vocal arranger within the contemporary gospel music industry.
In addition to his work in gospel music, Ward has also worked in the broader recording industry with major labels and artists across both gospel and mainstream R&B. Early in his career he collaborated with artists including Boyz II Men, gaining experience in vocal production and arrangement within the R&B recording environment.
As his career progressed, Ward also worked with artists such as Mary J. Blige and collaborated with Grammy-winning producer David Foster. While active in the mainstream recording industry, Ward maintained a strong connection to gospel music and later renewed his focus on faith-based projects. He has cited his experiences in both gospel and R&B as shaping his overall approach to music production and vocal development, particularly in his efforts to inspire and develop artists within contemporary gospel music.
Career
Ward came to prominence in the gospel music industry as the producer of the 1998 album Everlasting Life by Kim Burrell. The project helped introduce Burrell to a wider audience and contributed to her receiving a Stellar Awards for Contemporary Female Artist of the Year.[10]
Ward later produced the self-titled debut album by Dorinda Clark-Cole. The project contributed to Clark-Cole receiving multiple Stellar Awards, including Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year and Traditional Female Artist of the Year. [11]
He also produced two tracks on the album Nothing Without You by Smokie Norful, which won the Grammy Awards for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album.[12]
Ward contributed to the Grammy-winning album Live: One Last Time by The Clark Sisters, which received the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Gospel Album.[13]
He also worked on the Grammy Award-winning song “Wait on the Lord” by Donnie McClurkin featuring Karen Clark Sheard, which won Best Gospel Song.[14]
In addition to these projects, Ward has worked with artists including Crystal Aikin, Kierra Sheard, Maranda Curtis, Maurette Brown Clark, and Virtue. Recordings associated with Ward have received recognition from the Stellar Awards, GMA Dove Awards, and the BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards.
Awards and Recognition
Recordings produced or contributed to by Ward have received recognition from the Grammy Awards, Stellar Awards, GMA Dove Awards, BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards, and the NAACP Image Awards.
Grammy Awards
Projects associated with Ward have received several Grammy recognitions, including:
Year
Artist
Work
Category
Result
2005
Smokie Norful
Nothing Without You
Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album
Win
2006
Donnie McClurkin feat. Karen Clark Sheard
"Wait on the Lord"
Best Gospel Song
Win
2008
The Clark Sisters
Live: One Last Time
Best Traditional Gospel Album
Win
2006
Dorinda Clark-Cole
Live from Houston: The Rose of Gospel
Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album
Nomination
2009
Dorinda Clark-Cole
Take It Back
Best Traditional Gospel Album
Nomination
2011
Kim Burrell
The Love Album
Best Gospel Album
Nomination
2012
Kierra Sheard
Bold Right Life
Best Gospel Album
Nomination
Stellar Awards
Recordings produced by Ward have received numerous Stellar Awards honors, including:
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