Vera Hall Ward was born in Payneville, Alabama in 1902. Her father, though poor, owned both a horse and a wagon, and a small farm to fed his family. Vera took care of children for families in Livingston. While traveling with one family she met Nash Riddle of Tuscaloosa. She was sixteen when they married.
Vera and Nash had one daughter, Minnie. Nash worked in the coal mines until he was shot in a fight, either in 1923 or 1924. Vera continued to live in Tuscaloosa working as a cook and washwoman until the onset of the Great Depression drove her back to her family home in Payneville. That is where musicologist John Lomax met and recorded her in 1937. Lomax said that she had the most beautiful voice he had every recorded. I would agree.
Vera and Nash had one daughter, Minnie. Nash worked in the coal mines until he was shot in a fight, either in 1923 or 1924. Vera continued to live in Tuscaloosa working as a cook and washwoman until the onset of the Great Depression drove her back to her family home in Payneville. That is where musicologist John Lomax met and recorded her in 1937. Lomax said that she had the most beautiful voice he had every recorded. I would agree.
Another Man Done Gone |
Po' Lazarus |
Trouble So Hard |
I've Been Drinking |
Signature |