Anita Ward, born on December 20, 1956, in Memphis, Tennessee, is an American singer best known for her 1979 disco hit "Ring My Bell." Before embarking on her music career, Ward earned a degree in psychology from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and worked as a schoolteacher. Her musical journey began when she was introduced to Frederick Knight, a singer/songwriter who had a notable hit in 1972. Knight convinced Ward to record "Ring My Bell," a song he had originally written for another artist. Despite her initial reservations, the track became a massive success, reaching number one on the charts in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

Ward's debut album, "Songs of Love," was released in 1979, featuring "Ring My Bell" and other disco-infused tracks. However, her subsequent releases, including the single "Don't Drop My Love," did not achieve similar success. A planned third album was canceled due to contractual issues and the declining popularity of disco music. Ward's career was further impacted by a severe car accident, leading her to be regarded as a one-hit wonder.

In the years following her initial success, Ward released another album, "Wherever There's Love," in 1989, which was only distributed internationally. She continued to perform, including notable appearances on New Year's Eve in Times Square in 2002 and in Memphis in 2005. Despite the challenges in her career, Anita Ward remains celebrated for her contribution to the disco era with "Ring My Bell."