Jazz Master Greg Ward Continues to Pay It Forward in His Adopted Hometown

by Mike Thomas

Originally published by CSO.org February 16, 2022

When saxophonist Greg Ward was growing up in Peoria, his parents encouraged his love of music but discouraged his idea of being a professional musician.

His gospel-rooted father, who played the Hammond B-3 organ at church (often accompanied by his very young son), had struggled in his quest for professional success. Knowing what he knew, he wanted to spare Ward the hardship that he himself had endured.

But the warnings didn’t work.