Former gospel singers are 'blessed'

They used to be part of a family singing group called The Citadels.

But today, they are simply “Blessed.”

“Dianne chose that name because of the many blessings we’ve received throughout our lives,” says Ward Davis.

The Woodland Hills Drive residents are back on the road again as a duet, after raising two daughters and ending their careers by retirement.

A native of Camp Taylor, she worked in state government as a nurse in Louisville, while her husband, who was born just outside Mammoth Cave National Park, put in “thirty-two years and four months,” at the Ford plant in Louisville.

As a family group that included their daughters, they combined work and travel, singing in churches throughout the region, and even recording an album.

“It wasn’t always easy,” said Ward, noting once they got home from an engagement “just in time to go to work.”

They moved to Spencer 12 years ago, building their dream home on a mostly wooded five-acre tract.

One of their daughters lives nearby on Day Road.

After being out of the singing business for 30 years, the couple decided to renew that part of their lives three years ago, when he was 72 and Dianne, 69. 

Despite our ages, we decided to try it again because we were retired and good to go, says Ward, further noting “Gospel music is so much better now, and we sing so much better.”

The son of a Baptist minister who has sung in church all his life, Ward says he is especially impressed with his wife’s improvement on vocals.

“Di sings a lot higher now, and for 72 years old, her voice is so strong.”

Since resuming their singing, the grandparents of four and great-grandparents of five have recorded several CD’s and traveled extensively in Kentucky and into about 10 other states.

It’s not all work and no play when out on the road, Dianne explains. A major fan of thrift store shopping, she enjoys finding treasures along the way in out-of-the-way places, while Ward shops for Case knives.

The couple, who have been married for 55 years and attend Plum Creek Baptist when they’re not on the road, say what they are doing is more a hobby than a profession.

“We don’t charge, but usually an offering is taken up, and we always come away with enough to cover our expenses,” says Ward.

They sell their CD’s for $15 each or three for $30.

“Mainly we’re doing what we feel like it’s meant for us to do.

“People come up to us after we sing and say ‘You all were a real blessing to me,’ and that means everything. It makes all the practice and travel worthwhile.

“Mostly, it makes us feel blessed,” says Ward.

For further information, contact Ward and Dianne Davis at 502-477-1642 or email warddavis @yahoo.com.