The Gay Charmers (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
 (By Hans-Joachim)

 
Personnel:

Willarene Ward Moultrie (aka Willa Ward) (Lead)

Della Jo Campbell

Doris Gibson


Discography:

1957 - Dance On The Strings Of My Heart / Honky Tonk (G&M 2021)
1958 - Groovey Shoes / Dance D-D-D-Dance (Savoy 1549)
1959 - What Can I Do / Get In And Shut The Door (Grand 2001 / Swan 4032)
1959 - Walk Beside Him / Why Do You Hurt Me Darling (Savoy 1561)

Biography:

Willarene Ward Moultrie, member of the famous Gospel group Clara Ward Singers, switched in 1957 from Gospel to R&B. She joined up with Della Joe Campbell and Doris Gibson, and formed The Gay Charmers. They had eight releases on several labels (1957-59).

  
          (Willarene Ward Moultrie, Della Jo Campbell, and Doris Gibson)                                      Willarene Ward Moultrie                                         

Throughout her music career, Willa Ward had her own groups including the Willa Ward Singers, The Willa Moultrie Singers, The Gay Charmers (later performing as the Sophisticates), The Willettes, The Willa Ward Trio and The Willa Ward Duo.     Willa Ward also sang backup for stars like Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, Chubby Checker and Patti LaBelle. Willa Ward-Royster passed away on August 12, 2012.
 

Songs :

     
Honky Tonk                        Groovey Shoes                Dance D-D-D--Dance

     
What Can I Do               Get In And Shut The Door            Walks Beside Him

  
Why Do You Hurt Me Darling   Dance On The Strings Of My Heart

...