Billy Ward, born Robert L. Williams on September 19, 1921, in Savannah, Georgia, was a distinguished American musician known for his work as a pianist, arranger, and vocal coach. Raised in Philadelphia, Ward was a child prodigy in music, winning an award for piano composition at the age of 14. After serving in the Coast Guard Artillery Choir, he pursued music studies in Chicago and at the Juilliard School of Music in New York, a notable achievement for Black musicians at that time.

Ward's career took a significant turn when he met talent agent Rose Marks, who became his business and songwriting partner. Together, they formed a vocal group initially called the Ques, which included future stars Clyde McPhatter and Jackie Wilson. The group, later renamed Billy Ward and his Dominoes, became one of the most successful R&B vocal groups of the early 1950s. Their hit "Sixty Minute Man" was groundbreaking, reaching number 1 on the R&B charts and crossing over to the pop charts, marking a significant moment in the crossover potential of R&B music.

Billy Ward passed away on February 16, 2002, in Inglewood, California, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer in the R&B genre and a mentor to some of the most iconic voices in music history.