ZZ Ward

{{Infobox musical artist

| name = ZZ Ward

| image = ZZ Ward 06 09 2017 -1 (34967289844).jpg

| caption = Ward performing in 2017

| birth_name = Zsuzsanna Eva Ward

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1986|06|2}}

| birth_place = Abington, Pennsylvania, U.S.

| origin = Roseburg, Oregon, U.S.

| years_active = 2012–present

| genre = {{hlist|Blues rock|R&B|pop rock|blue-eyed soul}}

| occupation = {{hlist|Singer-songwriter}}

| instrument = {{hlist|Vocals|guitar|harmonica|piano|keyboards}}

| label = {{hlist|Dirty Shine|Sun |Boardwalk|Hollywood}}

| spouse = {{marriage|E. Kidd Bogart|2017}}

{{Infobox person

| child = yes

| children = 2

| website = {{URL|www.zzward.com/}}

}}}}

Zsuzsanna Eva Ward (born June 2, 1986){{Cite web |title=ZZ Ward Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/zz-ward-mn0002930475 |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=AllMusic |language=en}} is an American singer-songwriter from Roseburg, Oregon. She signed with Hollywood Records to release her debut extended play (EP), Criminal (2012), which preceded the release of her debut studio album, Til the Casket Drops, that same year.{{cite web |url=http://www.thetop22.com/2013/02/the-top-22-aaa-radio-songs-2-3-13/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130616025812/http://www.thetop22.com/2013/02/the-top-22-aaa-radio-songs-2-3-13/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 16, 2013 |title=AAA Radio Songs: 2-3-13 |publisher=The Top 22 |date=February 4, 2013 |access-date=2013-07-11 }} Her second studio album, The Storm (2017), peaked atop the Billboard Blues Albums Chart. Her third studio album, Dirty Shine (2023), was released independently, and met with critical acclaim.{{Cite web |last=Francis |first=Pete |date=2023-09-08 |title=ZZ Ward: Dirty Shine Review |url=https://bluesrockreview.com/2023/09/zz-ward-dirty-shine-review.html |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=Blues Rock Review |language=en-US}}

Early life

Born in Abington, Pennsylvania, Ward grew up in Roseburg, Oregon,{{cite web|url=http://www.thetop22.com/featured/2012/10/editors-pick-zz-ward-exclusive-video/|title=Editor's Pick: ZZ Ward Exclusive Video|date=October 21, 2012|publisher=The Top 22|access-date=2013-07-11|archive-date=May 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502083754/http://www.thetop22.com/featured/2012/10/editors-pick-zz-ward-exclusive-video/|url-status=dead}} where she joined her first band, with her father, at the age of 12.Reyan Ali, [http://www.orlandoweekly.com/orlando/blues-artist-zz-ward-stops-by-the-social/Content?oid=2244484 "Blues artist ZZ Ward stops by the Social"], Orlando Weekly, May 28, 2013. Ward recalled the first song she sang was "an Albert King track called 'As the Years Go Passing By'".{{cite web|url=http://www.fuse.tv/2013/04/zz-ward-interview?campaign=scl%7Ctwt%7Cfsc |title=How ZZ Ward Went From Playing in Bars Underage to a Kendrick Lamar Collabo – Fuse Q&A – Fuse |publisher=Fuse.tv |date=May 3, 2013 |access-date=2013-07-11}}

Ward's maternal grandmother, Zsuzsanna Friedman, was a Jewish Hungarian who converted to Catholicism to avoid persecution during the Holocaust. On discovering this, Ward, who grew up in a secular household, took an interest in reclaiming her Jewish roots.[http://jewcy.com/jewish-arts-and-culture/spotlight-on-zz-ward-soulful-jewish-singer-on-the-rise Spotlight On: ZZ Ward, Soulful Jewish Singer on the Rise] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925015745/https://jewcy.com/jewish-arts-and-culture/spotlight-on-zz-ward-soulful-jewish-singer-on-the-rise |date=September 25, 2020 }}, Jewcy, July 18, 2013

Career

=2011-2014: Debut EP and ''Til the Casket Drops''=

After moving to Los Angeles and signing to E. Kidd Bogart's Boardwalk Entertainment Group, Ward began recording the Criminal EP, as well as Eleven Roses, a free mixtape on which she offered her interpretations of tracks by Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino, Tyler, the Creator,{{cite web|url=http://blog.vevo.com/sxsw-2012-zz-ward/ |title=SXSW Report: ZZ Ward Interview |publisher=vevo.com |access-date=2012-06-29}} Freddie Gibbs and Wiz Khalifa.{{cite news |last1=Cragg |first1=Michael |title=New music: ZZ Ward – Overdue |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/mar/09/zz-ward-overdue |access-date=20 April 2019 |work=The Guardian |date=9 March 2012}} Eleven Roses features "Better Of Dead", "Got It Bad", "Overdue", "Criminal", "Morphine", and "Cinnamon Stix". It was released on 3 November 2011.{{cite web |title=ZZ Ward - Eleven Roses (Mixtape) |url=https://www.discogs.com/ZZ-Ward-Eleven-Roses-Mixtape/master/965409 |website=Discogs |access-date=20 April 2019 |language=en}} For the recording of "Criminal", she sampled the beat from "Oil Money" by Freddie Gibbs, who was so impressed by Ward's remake that he asked to contribute a guest verse to the official version on the EP. The Criminal EP was released on May 8, 2012, and features the songs "Til the Casket Drops", "Put the Gun Down", "Move Like U Stole It", and "Criminal" (feat. Freddie Gibbs).

Ward's debut album, Til the Casket Drops, was released on October 16, 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.beatdropping.com/2012/06/interview-zz-ward-talks-instagram-hip.html |title=ZZ Ward Talks Instagram, Hip-Hop, and Attitude |publisher=beatdropping.com |access-date=2012-06-29}} It includes the singles "365 Days", "Put the Gun Down" and "Last Love Song", the song "Cryin' Wolf" with Kendrick Lamar, as well as appearances from Ryan Tedder, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Theron "Neff-U" Feemster and Fitz of Fitz and the Tantrums.{{cite web|url=http://www.earmilk.com/2012/10/02/zz-ward-cryin-wolf-feat-kendrick-lamar/ |title=ZZ Ward – "Cryin' Wolf" (Feat. Kendrick Lamar) |date=October 2, 2012 |publisher=Earmilk |access-date=2013-07-11}} Ward performed the album's first single, "Put the Gun Down", on VH1's Big Morning Buzz Live with Carrie Keagan on September 19, 2012,{{cite web|url=http://www.vh1.com/video/misc/833736/zz-ward-performs-put-the-gun-down.jhtml |title="ZZ Ward Performs 'Put The Gun Down'" by ZZ Ward | Show Performance |publisher=VH1.com |date=2012-09-19 |access-date=2013-07-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514021947/http://www.vh1.com/video/misc/833736/zz-ward-performs-put-the-gun-down.jhtml |archive-date=2014-05-14}} The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on November 1, 2012,{{cite news|title=USA Today Story ZZ Ward on Jay Leno|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2012/11/01/aerosmith-avett-brothers-zz-ward-late-night-tv/1674929/ | first1=Edna | last1=Gundersen|date=November 1, 2012}} and Conan on January 10, 2013.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRY8lnwZqQw |title=ZZ Ward "Put the Gun Down" 01/10/13 – CONAN on TBS |publisher=YouTube |date=January 11, 2013 |access-date=2013-07-11}} In March 2013, the New York Times said of Ward, "Her energy evokes Tina Turner's, her chops Aretha Franklin's and her soul Etta James's",{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/27/booming/if-you-like-rickie-lee-jones-try-zz-ward.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 | work=The New York Times | first=Val | last=Haller | title=If You Like Rickie Lee Jones, Try ZZ Ward | date=March 1, 2013}} and she was named one of Fuse TV's 30 must-see artists at SXSW.{{cite web|url=http://www.fuse.tv/galleries/2013/02/sxsw-2013-must-see-bands-south-by-southwest |title=30 Must-See Acts at SXSW 2013 – Photos – South by Southwest – Festivals – Fuse |publisher=Fuse.tv |date=February 28, 2013 |access-date=2013-07-11}} Ward performed her second single, "365 Days", on Good Morning America{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/zz-ward-performs-365-days-gma-18676156 |title=ZZ Ward Performs '365 Days' on 'GMA' | Video |publisher=ABC News |access-date=2013-07-11}} and Big Morning Buzz Live,{{cite web|url=http://www.vh1.com/video/misc/881499/zz-ward-performs-365-days.jhtml |title="ZZ Ward Performs '365 Days'" by ZZ Ward | Show Performance |publisher=VH1.com |date=2013-03-07 |access-date=2013-07-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130529220810/http://www.vh1.com/video/misc/881499/zz-ward-performs-365-days.jhtml |archive-date=2013-05-29}} both on March 7, 2013; on the September 3, 2013, episode of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno;{{cite web|url=http://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/classic/jay-leno/episode-guide/season-21/tuesday-september-3-2013/4520 |title=Tuesday, September 3, 2013 | Episodes | The Tonight Show with Jay Leno |publisher=NBC |date=September 3, 2013 |access-date=2014-07-12}} and on the January 30, 2014, episode of The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.

On April 20, 2013, for Record Store Day, Ward released a limited edition 7-inch vinyl that included her cover of "Grinnin in Your Face", written and originally recorded by Son House,{{cite magazine|url=http://www.interviewmagazine.com/music/exclusive-video-premiere-and-interview-grinnin-zz-ward/#_ |title=Exclusive Video Premiere and Interview: 'Grinnin' in Your Face,' ZZ Ward – Page |magazine=Interview Magazine |access-date=2013-07-11}} and a previously unreleased song, "Everybody Wants to Be Famous".{{cite web|first=Robbie |last=Daw |url=http://idolator.com/7451414/zz-ward-everybody-wants-to-be-famous-record-store-day#more-7451414 |title=ZZ Ward's "Everybody Wants To Be Famous": Record Store Day Song Premiere | Music News, Reviews, and Gossip on |date=April 16, 2013 |publisher=Idolator.com |access-date=2013-07-11}} The 7-inch cover features an image taken of Ward when she was 11 years-old.{{cite web|url=http://www.earbuddy.net/23098/zz-ward-record-store-day.html/streams |title=ZZ Ward Record Store Day Release // Tour Dates | Listen |date=April 18, 2013 |publisher=Earbuddy |access-date=2013-07-11}} The following month, Ward, in conjunction with her second single release, launched her 365 Days of ZZ Ward app.{{cite web|last=Anthony |first=Brian |url=http://mashable.com/2013/05/22/365-days-zz-ward-app-facebook/ |title=ZZ Ward's App Uses Facebook to Plot When Fans Discovered Her Music |publisher=Mashable.com |date=May 22, 2013 |access-date=2013-07-11}}

Notable live appearances in 2014 include Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival,Gerrick D. Kennedy, [http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-coachella-2014-watch-zz-ward-go-acousitc-20140419-story.html "Coachella 2014: Watch an exclusive acoustic performance by ZZ Ward"], Los Angeles Times, April 19, 2014. Bonnaroo Music Festival,{{cite web |url=http://www.bonnaroo.com/news/2014-lineup |title=The 2014 Lineup! |publisher=Bonnaroo |date=February 19, 2014 |access-date=2014-07-12 |archive-date=July 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715100937/http://www.bonnaroo.com/news/2014-lineup |url-status=dead }} and a short tour with Eric Clapton.{{cite web|url=http://clizbeats.com/zz-ward-release-two-versions-last-love-song-video-today-abc-family-release-pretty-little-liars-version-billboard-com-premiere-official-video-5058/ |title=ZZ WARD RELEASES TWO VERSIONS OF "LAST LOVE SONG" VIDEO TODAY ABC Family to release 'Pretty Little Liars' version Billboard.com to premiere official video |publisher=Clizbeats.com |access-date=2014-07-12}}

=2015-2018: ''Love and War'' EP and ''The Storm''=

Ward's second EP, Love and War, was released on Hollywood Records on August 28, 2015.Lesley McKenzie, [http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/decked-zz-wards-onstage-style-818220 "Decked Out: ZZ Ward's Onstage Style Evolution"]The Hollywood Reporter, August 28, 2015.

On February 11, 2017, Ward performed at the Americana Music Association's tribute concert to Loretta Lynn at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, California, performing a cover of "The Home You're Tearing Down".Randy Lewis, [http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-loretta-lynn-salute-americana-music-assn-20170208-story.html "Jack Ingram, Joe Henry, ZZ Ward join Americana Music Assn. salute to Loretta Lynn"], Los Angeles Times, February 8, 2017.Chris Willman, [http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7686228/kesha-joins-americana-tribute-to-loretta-lynn-grammys "Kesha Joins Americana Artists at Pre-Grammy Salute to Loretta Lynn"], Billboard, February 12, 2017. She performed at the inaugural Arroyo Seco Weekend festival in June 2017 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.Alex Young, [http://consequenceofsound.net/2017/03/coachella-organizers-launch-new-two-day-festival-called-arroyo-seco-weekend/ "Coachella organizers launch new two-day festival called Arroyo Seco Weekend"], Consequence of Sound, March 14, 2017.

On March 2, Ward released the single "The Deep", featuring Chicago MC Joey Purp. The track is built around a sample of "As Long As I've Got You" by The Charmels, which is also sampled in "C.R.E.A.M." by Wu-Tang Clan. The song is about Ward's feelings of being trapped in a bad relationship.Myles Tanzer, [http://www.thefader.com/2017/03/02/zz-ward-the-deep-with-joey-purp "ZZ Ward And Joey Purp Pull From A Classic For 'The Deep'"], The Fader, March 2, 2017. The song's music video premiered on W magazine's website on March 9, 2017.Katherine Cusumano, [http://www.wmagazine.com/story/zz-ward-the-deep-music-video-premiere "Exclusive Music Video Premiere: ZZ Ward's 'The Deep' Is the First Look at Her Most Personal Record Yet"], W, March 9, 2017. Also in 2017, Ward collaborated with Gary Clark Jr. on "Ride" from the soundtrack to the Pixar film Cars 3. Ward performed "Ride" on Dancing with the Stars on April 17, 2017.[http://www.pixarpost.com/2017/04/cars-3-soundtrack-first-listen-zz-ward.html "Cars 3 Soundtrack First Listen: ZZ Ward & Gary Clark Jr's Energetic Track, 'Ride' and Dancing With The Stars Performance"], Pixar Post, April 14, 2017.

Ward's second studio album, The Storm, was released on June 30, 2017, through Hollywood Records.{{cite web |url=https://www.axs.com/zz-ward-s-summer-tour-includes-denver-s-bluebird-and-la-s-roxy-117524 |title=ZZ Ward's summer tour includes Denver's Bluebird and LA's Roxy |work=AXS |date=April 20, 2017 |access-date=May 22, 2017 |author=Frederick, Brittany}} It peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Blues Albums chart in July 2017,{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/blues-albums |title=Blues Music: Top Blues Albums Chart |magazine=Billboard |access-date=2017-07-11}} at number 12 on the Billboard Rock Albums chart,{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/431743/zz-ward/chart?f=408 |title=Rock Albums Chart |magazine=Billboard |access-date=2017-07-13}} and at number 75 on the Billboard 200.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/431743/zz-ward/chart?f=305 |title=Billboard 200 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=2017-07-13}} The music video for the single "Cannonball" (featuring Fantastic Negrito) was released in July 2017.Kaitlin Reilly, [http://www.refinery29.com/2017/07/161719/zz-ward-songs-cannonball-video "Video Premiere For ZZ Ward's 'Cannonball'"], Refinery29, July 6, 2017.

= 2019-2020: Departure from Hollywood Records =

In 2019, Ward released a new single which was speculated to be the lead single from a potential third studio album, the single "Sex & Stardust" was released on December 13, 2019.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Courtney E. |title=ZZ Ward Found Her Inspiration For The Sex & Stardust Video In Kill Bill |url=https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2019/12/9017863/zz-ward-sex-and-stardust-video-premiere-song-lyrics-meaning |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=www.refinery29.com |language=en}} On 2020, Ward released three more singles{{Cite web |last=Travers |first=Andrew |date=2020-02-27 |title=ZZ Ward discusses new songs, returns to Belly Up Aspen |url=https://www.aspentimes.com/entertainment/zz-ward-discusses-new-songs-returns-to-belly-up-aspen/ |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=www.aspentimes.com |language=en-US}} "Break Her Heart", "The Dark", and "Giant",{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2020-11-29 |title=ZZ Ward 'Giant' Music Video |url=https://www.thestumbleupon.com/zz-ward-giant-music-video/ |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=TheStumbleUpon |language=en-GB}} these songs would be her latest releases under Hollywood Records before parting ways with the label.{{Cite web |title=On Stage: ZZ Ward takes control of her career {{!}} The Unionville Times |url=https://www.unionvilletimes.com/?p=52814 |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=www.unionvilletimes.com}}

= 2021-2023: ''Dirty Shine'' and Dirty Shine Records =

In 2021, Ward became an independent artist and funded her own record label Dirty Shine Records, the name being a nod to Ward's fanbase which reference themselves as "Dirty Shine Fam”.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-29 |title=ZZ Ward dishes on her newfound independent artistry ahead of Sept. 22 show at The Madrid |url=https://www.thepitchkc.com/zz-ward-dishes-on-her-newfound-independent-artistry-ahead-of-sept-22-show-at-the-madrid/ |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=The Pitch |language=en-US}} She also announced her first independent single "Tin Cups" with Aloe Blacc which end up being the lead single of her third studio album Dirty Shine;{{Cite web |title=ZZ Ward Releases Soulful Single 'Tin Cups' Featuring Aloe Blacc |url=https://www.jambase.com/article/zz-ward-new-single-tin-cups-aloe-blacc |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=JamBase |language=en-US}} five singles were released prior the album release.{{Cite web |last=Price |first=Jason |date=2023-07-28 |title=ZZ WARD To Release Her First Independent Album 'Dirty Shine' In September {{!}} Icon Vs. Icon |url=https://www.iconvsicon.com/2023/07/28/zz-ward-to-release-her-first-independent-album-dirty-shine-in-september/ |access-date=2023-10-08 |language=en-US}} The album dropped on September 8, 2023, to widespread critical acclaim by music critics, who praised Ward's versatility and overall performance.{{Cite web |title=ZZ Ward Releases 'Dirty Shine,' Ushering a Fresh Era for the Renowned Artist |url=https://www.gratefulweb.com/articles/zz-ward-releases-dirty-shine-ushering-fresh-era-renowned-artist |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=Grateful Web |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Niesel |first=Jeff |title=ZZ Ward Artfully Mixes Blues and Hip-Hop Together on 'Dirty Shine' |url=https://www.clevescene.com/music/zz-ward-artfully-mixes-blues-and-hip-hop-together-on-dirty-shine-42660965 |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=Cleveland Scene |language=en}}

= 2024-present: Sun Records and ''Liberation'' =

On February 9, 2024, Ward released the single "WTH Did I Do?". She followed it up with the single "Best Friends" on March 8. Both songs were included on her third EP, Where Did All the Love Go?. On May 20, Ward announced that she had signed with Sun Records.{{Cite web |title=Post from ZZ Ward |url=https://www.youtube.com/post/Ugkx_6cB3U0vTr6brejw5iKL1AR4AEHrh-6K |access-date=2024-05-26 |website=www.youtube.com}}

Her first release with them was "Mother" on July 19. An extended play of the same name, was released on October 4.{{Citation |title=Mother - EP by ZZ Ward on Apple Music |date=2024-10-04 |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/mother-ep/1759591004 |access-date=2025-02-08 |language=en-US}} The release of the extended play lead up to the announcement of Ward's fourth studio album Liberation.{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=B. R. R. |date=2025-01-17 |title=ZZ Ward announces "Liberation" |url=https://bluesrockreview.com/2025/01/zz-ward-announces-liberation.html |access-date=2025-04-06 |website=Blues Rock Review |language=en-US}} The album was released on March 14, 2025, and saw critical praise from music critics,{{Cite web |last=Sterdan |first=Darryl |date=2025-01-17 |title=ZZ Ward Knows How To Keep The Love (And The Blues) Alive |url=https://tinnitist.com/2025/01/17/zz-ward-knows-how-to-keep-the-love-and-the-blues-alive/ |access-date=2025-04-06 |website=Tinnitist |language=en-CA}} which dubbed it as Ward's best work to date.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-14 |title=ZZ Ward Unveils 'Liberation' Title Track and Video: A Bold Return to Her Blues Roots |url=https://www.americanbluesscene.com/2025/03/zz-ward-unveils-liberation-title-track-and-video-a-bold-return-to-her-blues-roots/ |access-date=2025-04-06 |website=American Blues Scene |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Ureta |first=Ian |date=2025-03-16 |title="Liberation" & proving once and for all that the genre is alive, kicking… |url=https://thegatekeeperspace.com/liberation-proving-once-and-for-all-that-the-genre-is-alive-kicking/ |access-date=2025-04-06 |website=The Gatekeeper Space |language=en-US}} Mother EP and Liberation marked Ward's return to the charts, becoming Ward's second and third top-ten records on the Billboard Blues Album Chart, peaking at seven and five, respectively.{{Cite web |title=ZZ Ward {{!}} Blues Albums Chart History |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/zz-ward/chart-history/ |access-date=2025-04-06 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2025-03-29 |title=Blues Albums: Top Blues Albums Chart |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/blues-albums/2025-03-29/ |access-date=2025-04-06 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}

Personal life

Ward married record producer E. Kidd Bogart in May 2017.{{cite news |title=In Blues Cruise Control, ZZ Ward Revs It Up on Way to 'Little Piece of Heaven' |url=https://popmatters.com/zz-ward-2018-interview-2583906726.html |access-date=February 28, 2021 |work=PopMatters |date=July 5, 2018}} Their first child, Ezra Jack Bogart, was born on February 3, 2021.{{Cite tweet |number=1359030172985397250 |user=ZZWard |title=Ezra Jack Bogart 02/03/21 the best gift I have ever received |author=ZZ Ward}} Ward announced her pregnancy in November 2020 in the music video for her song "Giant".{{cite magazine |last1=Aniftos |first1=Rania |title=ZZ Ward Announces Pregnancy in Empowering 'Giant' Video: Exclusive |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9484276/zz-ward-announces-pregnancy-giant-video/ |access-date=February 28, 2021 |magazine=Billboard |date=November 16, 2020}} In October 2023, Ward announced via her social media accounts that she is expecting her second child.{{Cite web |title=ZZ Ward on X: "There's something even more special about the One Hell Of A Night Tour that I've been waiting to tell you all….We've got a new band member on stage with us 😊😊😊 Ezra's getting a baby brother in February 💙💙💙 #dirtyshinebaby #aquariusboys" |url=https://twitter.com/ZZWard/status/1710094987978002598?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet%7Ctwtr%5Etrue |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=X (formerly Twitter) |language=en}}

Ward is sometimes called "the hat girl" due to her always wearing a fedora onstage.{{Cite web |date=2023-12-21 |title=Blues singer ZZ Ward talks fedoras and friendship with Lindsey Stirling |url=https://www.deseret.com/2018/1/24/20638819/blues-singer-zz-ward-talks-fedoras-and-friendship-with-lindsey-stirling/ |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=Deseret News |language=en}} She began doing this at 12 years old when she performed with her father's blues band and wanted to feel "more confident like Muddy Waters and Big Mama Thornton."