Madison Ryann Ward
 | The topic of this article may not meet Wikipedia's notability guideline for music. (August 2025) |
Madison Ryann Ward | |
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 Ward in 2024 | |
| Born | Madison Ryann Ward Lawton, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Alma mater | University of Oklahoma |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 2017–present |
Madison Ryann Ward (born 1995) is an American singer-songwriter from Lawton, Oklahoma. She writes contemporary Christian music songs blending pop, R&B, gospel, blues, and folk influences.[1] A former Division I volleyball player at the University of Oklahoma, she gained recognition after a viral video of her singing Aretha Franklin's Chain of Fools in a campus cafeteria.[1] She later signed with Rick Rubin’s American Recordings in partnership with Republic Records and released her debut single, Mirror (2018).[2]
Early life
[edit]Ward was born in Lawton, Oklahoma, to a church pianist mother and a father who owned a barbecue restaurant that hosted blues and soul musicians, exposing her to church music alongside secular soul and folk traditions.[1] She excelled in volleyball and attended the University of Oklahoma on an athletic scholarship, where a viral performance video led her toward a music career.[1]
Career
[edit]Ward signed with American Recordings/Republic Records, working with producer Rick Rubin.[2] Her debut single, Mirror (2018), drew praise[by whom?] for its stripped-down production and soulful vocals, and she appeared on the Netflix series My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman.
Seeking creative control, Ward later left the major-label system and founded the independent imprint Zelda House Records. She issued a series of devotional-leaning singles including Anchor, Love & Adoration, and Familiar.[2] Her first full-length album, A New Thing (2023), compiled earlier singles with new material; its follow-up, Purified Love (2024), leaned more heavily into gospel while continuing to blend folk, soul, and pop elements.[3]
Musical style and influences
[edit]Ward’s sound combines neo-soul, gospel, blues, folk, and pop. Critics have likened her vocal approach to artists such as Lauryn Hill and India.Arie. Lyrically, she frequently explores faith, authenticity, empowerment, and love.[2]
Public image
[edit]Ward presents a faith-centered public persona, discussing Christianity and spirituality in interviews and on social media while emphasizing themes of empowerment and honesty. She shares devotionals, studio footage, and personal reflections with a large following on Instagram.[2]