Helen Ward; Toured With Benny Goodman

Helen Ward, 82, whose supple voice and sense of swing contributed to the early success of the Benny Goodman band. Ward toured and recorded with Goodman’s band from 1934 to 1936 and rejoined Goodman for performances and recordings after World War II. Born in New York, she performed in several bands and on radio programs in the city before Goodman heard her at an audition. She sang with the band on the radio program “Let’s Dance,” from December 1934 to May 1935, and recorded songs including “Goody Goody,” “It’s Been So Long” and the million-seller “These Foolish Things.” Ward later performed with bands led by Hal McIntyre and Harry James and recorded with James, Teddy Wilson, Gene Krupa, Bob Crosby and Red Norvo, among others. In Arlington, Va., on April 21.