Go-Go Icon Pam Ward Wins Female Singer of the Year

The D.C. native was honored at the 50th anniversary celebration of the Go-Go music genre.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 5:23pm

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Pam Ward, a longtime fixture in the Go-Go music scene in Washington, D.C., was named the Go-Go Female Singer of the Year 2026 during the genre's 50th anniversary celebration at the iconic Lincoln Theatre. Ward, who has been dedicated to the Go-Go culture for nearly two decades, was surprised but grateful to receive the honor, saying it was special to her since she grew up on Go-Go music.

Why it matters

The Go-Go Awards, sponsored by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, celebrated five decades of D.C.'s official music, honoring legends, pioneers, and the next generation carrying the Bounce Beat forward. Ward's win represents the enduring legacy and cultural significance of Go-Go music in the nation's capital.

The details

Ward, who has been performing with groups like Push Play and Pink PaLiSh, as well as remaining a member of Let It Flow, was also recently booked for the upcoming Soul Train Cruise, a 15th anniversary sailing that will feature legendary acts such as Kool & The Gang, Johnny Gill, and Jeffrey Osborne. In addition to her musical career, Ward has also had a successful theater career, with credits including productions with DC Black Broadway and ArtsCentric Baltimore.

  • Pam Ward was named Go-Go's Female Singer of the Year 2026 during the genre's 50th anniversary celebration on January 26, 2026.
  • Ward has been dedicated to the Go-Go culture for nearly two decades.

The players

Pam Ward

A longtime fixture in the Go-Go music scene in Washington, D.C., who was named the Go-Go Female Singer of the Year 2026.

DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities

The sponsor of the Go-Go Awards, which celebrated five decades of D.C.'s official music.

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What they’re saying

“I am grateful to be recognized as the Go-Go Female Singer of the Year after 18 years of working in this industry. There are so many incredible ladies in my category — it was truly an honor just to be nominated. I was honestly surprised to walk away with the win. This is really special to me because I grew up on Go-Go music. It's in my heart and soul — especially during Go-Go's 50th anniversary.”

— Pam Ward (caribbeanlife.com)

What’s next

Ward has also been officially booked for the upcoming Soul Train Cruise, sailing Feb. 1–8, 2026, aboard Holland America Line's Eurodam, departing from Fort Lauderdale with stops in St. Thomas and St. Maarten.

The takeaway

Pam Ward's win at the Go-Go Awards represents the enduring legacy and cultural significance of Go-Go music in Washington, D.C., as the genre celebrates its 50th anniversary. Her journey stands as a testament to her dedication, resilience, and love for the Go-Go culture, which she has been a part of for nearly two decades.