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Updated: 29 February 2008

Barry Ward is a 4th generation Christian farmer and stockman from southwest Kansas who’s blessed with the gift of composing and singing his own western songs and rural music. Barry, or Bear, as he is known to many in cowboy and western music, is an accomplished composer, songwriter, and singer of agricultural songs for anyone who loves the west. Barry's music reaches all audiences ranging from rural to Christian Cowboy, Christian Country, and western music fans.

Barry Ward remains true to his southwest farming and ranching roots. The ideas for his songs come from his experiences growing up in rural America. Barry's songs will bring happy tears to your eyes as he sings about childhood memories of the homemade bread his grandmother used to bake in Angel's Heart, to his Grandpa driving his cattle 40 miles to the nearest railhead in My Blood is in this Land.

The inspirations for Barry’s songs come from his experiences growing up in the heart of rural America. Ranging from the humorous observation that every married man shares in “The Look”, to a heart-wrenching true story of a rancher whose son was tragically killed on horseback in “Saddle Up”.  Nominated by the Western Music Association for Male Performer of the Year, Barry has four CDs available: My Blood Is In This Land, Long Way Home, Passin' Thru, and The Journey.

Barry Ward has opened for such well known artists as Michael Martin Murphey, Don Edwards, Red Steagall, Rex Allen, Jr., and many more. On May 30, 2003 at Carnegie Hall in New York City, Barry had the honor of being part of The Great American Cowboy Concert featuring Roy Rogers Jr., Sons of the San Joaquin, Waddie Mitchell, Joni Harms, and Johnny Western. Cowboy music is always a good drawing card at the Black Rose, so ride on out to Black Forest and check it out.

Sam Broyles