Musical Bio
“You made that song your own.”
—Audience member to Jewel Ward about her cover of “Natural Woman” at “No Crystal Stair”, 15 May 2022.
Jewel Ward's artistic journey is a testament to the power of heartfelt expression and the courage to follow one's true calling. After spending two decades pursuing the "sensible" path as society often dictates, life's unpredictable turns led Jewel back to her roots in Morganton, North Carolina. It was here, amidst the echoes of her family's musical heritage, that she rekindled the embers of her passion for singing and playing music—this time, unbound by expectations other than her own.
With a charismatic mezzo-soprano voice that weaves through melodies with grace and depth, Jewel breathes life into both new and timeless lyrics. Her music—a tapestry of acoustic folk and soul with an essence of classic pop—is a reflection of a life lived authentically. Her lyrics resonate with the wisdom of embracing life's complexities, inspired by her belief in accepting and finding beauty in the chaos.
Her diverse musical upbringing, enriched by traditional Maori songs, Broadway musicals, and a spectrum ranging from classical art songs to the roots of folk, rock, country, and blues, has cultivated a sound that is as eclectic as it is classic. The underground rave scene, too, played a role in her artistic narrative, where she supported the vibrant community through promotion and production before returning to her musical roots in performance in 2019. By 2020, Jewel embarked on a journey to master the acoustic guitar and hone her craft in songwriting, adding another dimension to her multifaceted performances.
Born into a lineage that traces back to traveling entertainers in England, Jewel's musical inheritance spans several generations. Today, her kin in New Zealand and England continues the family tradition of performance and song—a testament to the enduring nature of music that courses through her veins. From her father's roots in the rustic expanse of southern Appalachia and the rolling foothills of North Carolina's Blue Ridge, Jewel's sound is a melding of influences, a unique echo of both place and history.
Jewel Ward is not just a name but a statement—a beacon for those who find solace in melodies and strength in lyrics. Her performances are not merely shows but experiences, inviting listeners to join her on a journey through the landscapes of emotion and story, resonating with every strung chord and vocal cadence.
Adriana Chavela, the Executive Director of Hola Carolina, snapped this photo backstage during the 2021 Juneteenth Event in Hendersonville, North Carolina, on June 12, 2021.