Ron Ward Jr.

Who is "Ron Ward Jr....."
As the son of a minister, Ronald Lee Ward Jr. from an early age was blessed with a gift for music. From his first piano recital, it was apparent to see that he was extremely talented. Growing up in the hip hop/new jack swing and those familiar with the DMV (DC, Maryland and Virginia) Go-Go era, a musical foundation was solidified, and thus a musician was born. His sound is a fresh blend of old school and new incorporating elements of Vintage Soul, Gospel, R&B and Jazz. Ron is an extraordinary songwriter, producer, pianist and a talented singer.

In high school Ron excelled in ear training, music theory, and voice and harmony structure. Ron played keyboards for his church youth choir and many local Go-Go bands. In the early 90's, Ron teamed up with Craig T. Dobson, Frederick Simpson, Troy Hilliard and later Gerald Coates and Antwan "TAO" Simpson (who is currently the newest member of the Platinum selling group Dru Hill) to form the R&B group known as SMUV (Seductive Music Unique Vocals). SMUV is known for their original music, tight harmonies, and dynamic stage presence. SMUV has earned numerous awards, just to name a few, the Coors Light National talent showcase, the Bet Sound Stage competition, and the Kemit Production National Showcase. They were blessed to share the stage with many A-list entertainers, such as Boys II Men, Brian McKnight, Raheem Devaughn, Ashford & Simpson and the late great Gerald Levert.

SMUV was encumbered by bad contract offers and the music industry politics and decided to move on independently releasing three projects including; “We Give Good Lovin”, “Special Lady”, and “Grown Man”. Receiving air play on several radio, Internet and satellite stations they sold thousands of albums all over the world, which can currently be purchased on iTunes.com and Cdbaby.com. Ron, being blessed with the opportunity to produce all three projects (SMUV); he was able to grow into a successful music and vocal producer. “The trust this group had in me, made me the musician and producer I am today” (Ron). In 2002, Ron teamed up with Eugene Alexander and Michael Anderson, becoming the third member of the production team Trackstar Productions which later changed to NBB (Nothing But Banga's) productions. NBB was one of the most sought after production teams in the DMV. NBB developed a business relationship with Sony Music in New York, which lead to the platinum remix of Bow Wow and Jagged Edge” My Baby”. NBB also did remixes for Glenn Lewis, LiL Flip, Jagged Edge, India Irie, B2K, Amarie, and Genuwine just to name a few. Ron was given opportunity to do vocal production for Mike Jones and the late Pimp C. He also was given opportunity to do vocal production for LiL Mo, which landed a song on the Precious sound track.

Currently, Ron is the Minister of Music at his home church.” I've been blessed to perform at many historic land marks and have shared the same stage with some of the greatest entertainers, but there's nothing like giving God the Glory on a Sunday morning. If I keep God first and foremost and trust in him, all things are possible” (Ron).