It was conceived strictly for Stacy, because I believe a kid that young needs a special piece of material. "It was then a teenybopper song, about kids talking on the telephone. The original "Ring My Bell" was written for eleven-year-old Stacy Lattisaw, whom Frederick had hoped to sign to his production company. Frederick went home, and the next day returned with "Ring My Bell." Anita had a few doubts about the song, but wound up cutting it anyway. Basic tracks were completed, but after they were played back, everyone agreed that the album needed one more up-tempo tune. Out of that," said Frederick, "came 'Ring My Bell.'"Īctually, that song was not intended to be on the album. Shortly after recording began, though, he became "so impressed by her ability, that we went out and completed an entire LP. He knew what it was like to have a hit record "I've Been Lonely for So Long" had made the Top 30 for him in the summer of 1972.įrederick agreed to help Anita by producing the three-song session with her. Finally, through her manager, she met singer-songwriter Frederick Knight. It was all right, but she longed for a show biz career. Later, she put out another album with her own gospel quartet.Īfter graduation, Anita got a job as a substitute teacher in Memphis elementary schools. She was always interested in music, and while still a student, sang with the Rust College A Cappella Choir on an album with Metropolitan Opera star Leontyne Price. Nita Ward was born in Memphis, the eldest of five children.