MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Tennessee is known for its rich history in the music industry, and one South Memphis native is being recognized for her contributions to the world of disco.

In the late 70’s, this Disco Queen was known to ring a few bells across the music charts.

Recording artist Anita Ward is best known for her hit single “Ring My Bell.”

“My late mother, I think she still wasn’t really crazy about that song, ‘Ring My Bell.’ I don’t think so,” Ward said, laughing.

After years of traveling the world and performing on massive stages, this Rust College graduate traded her bell-bottoms and disco balls for a quieter lifestyle in her hometown of Memphis.

Born and raised in South Memphis, Ward says she grew up in the church and had a strong passion for singing. 

“I used to pick up, they said, a brush or anything that I could, and pretend that I was a singer,” she said.

Little did she know that voice would become imprinted in the world of disco.

“This is the award that was given to me to commemorate the sale of more than 500,000 albums. That’s Gold. That’s what that is,” she said.

Ward says she was 22 and was working as a substitute teacher when she recorded the song “Ring My Bell.”

She says she later learned the song was initially written for another much younger artist but was given to her with more adult lyrics to compete in the thriving disco era.

“I personally didn’t like the song,” she said. “But I like ballads.”

Shortly after its success, Ward says her career skyrocketed, filled with signing autographs, performances, celebrities, and a lot of awards.

And even decades after its success, the recognition continues. 

On the last day of the Tennessee General Assembly House Session, Rep. Antonio Parkinson of Memphis presented a resolution before the House recognizing and honoring Ward’s contributions to the music industry. 

“It’s incredibly important for us to give people their roses while they’re here,” Parkinson said. “She will be further in the history in the state of Tennessee as long as there is a state of Tennessee.”

Ward now spends her days relaxing and enjoying the fruits of her labor. 

But to upcoming artists, she has this advice:

“Learn about the business.”