Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear

Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear is a unique mother-son folk duo from Independence, Missouri, made up of Madisen Ward and his mother, Ruth Ward. They broke onto the national scene with their 2015 debut album Skeleton Crew, produced by Jim Abbiss (known for work with Arctic Monkeys and Adele), which showcased their soulful blend of acoustic folk, blues, and heartfelt storytelling. What sets the duo apart—beyond their familial bond—is the raw honesty and powerful chemistry in their performances, with Madisen's deep, expressive vocals and Ruth's warm harmonies and steady guitar work.

Known for their stripped-down yet emotionally rich sound, Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear have toured extensively, including appearances on major platforms like The Late Show with David Letterman and BBC Radio. Their music often explores themes of family, love, perseverance, and Americana roots, earning them a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim for their fresh take on the folk genre.