A Gospel Legand !!!!! Rev."Lady" Esther Ford.

Introducing the Legendary Pioneer of Vintage Gospel Music: Rev. "Lady" Esther Elizabeth Ford of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Rev. "Lady" Esther Ford's musical career began at the early age of five. She was billed as the "Child Wonder Gospel Singer" as she toured with her maternal grandfather, the late Rev. Edgar Haywood of Charles County, Maryland on the Southern Maryland revival circuit. In her early teen years she toured during the summer with well-known gospel groups in the Washington, D.C. area. During this time, she formed her own group in 1950, the "Esther Ford Singers". In 1956, she was ordained a Minister of the Gospel by Rev. Henry Brew, Pastor of All Faiths Community Church in Washington, D.C. The following year, she became a member of the world famous Ward Singers of Philadelphia, PA. She went on to co-found the "International Stars of Faith of Philadelphia, PA. The Esther Ford Repertoire Theatre Company and Concert Ensemble was organized under her direction and toured the United States with such productions as "This Is Our Heritage", the first gospel production ever seen at Philadelphia's Town Hall. She organized the first inter-racial gospel group, "The Exodus Singers" who recorded on the Savoy label. The traditional gospel musical, "The Old Ship of Zion" was written by Rev. Ford in 1971. In addition, she recorded "Profiles of a Great Lady, Esther Ford" and directed the Voices for Christ of the Mt. Airy Baptist Church, Washington, D.C." She recorded four albums while a member of "Stars of Faith". When not touring, she devoted her time to the Esther Ford Christian Youth Movement of Bucks, County, PA. Her weekly "Gospel Train" was broadcast on WBUX each Sunday. In addition, Rev. Ford continued her musical ministry and opened her own fashion design studio. Some of the leading dignitaries in D.C. wore her custom designs. In the '90's, she appeared at Radio City Music Hall and cameo roles in several movies, including a role in 'Clara's Heart".