The Unexpected Disco Queen

Anita Ward never planned to be a disco superstar—she was a college graduate with a degree in psychology, set on becoming a teacher. But fate had other plans when producer Frederick Knight discovered her and introduced her to a song that would define her career forever—“Ring My Bell” (1979).

Originally written for Stacy Lattisaw as a teen pop song, the lyrics were reworked into a sultry disco anthem for Anita. The track became a global smash, hitting No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100, R&B, and Dance charts, making her an overnight sensation.

But like many one-hit wonders of the post-disco era, Anita Ward struggled with record label disputes and the disco backlash of the early ‘80s. Despite releasing a few more singles, she never replicated the success of “Ring My Bell.”However, the song remains a timeless dancefloor classic, featured in countless films, commercials, and remixes.

Fun Facts

• “Ring My Bell” was originally written for a 13-year-old singer but was later transformed into a disco hit.
• Anita Ward nearly turned down recording the song because she didn’t want to be a disco artist.
• Her song became a go-to sample for hip-hop and electronic music, proving its lasting impact.

Though she was a reluctant disco star, Anita Ward’s legacy remains strong, and “Ring My Bell” still lights up dancefloors over 40 years later.

Signature Disco Hits