​Elder Wardell Aaron Campbell Sr. of Chicago, Illinois, was born to the blessed parents of the late Bishop Jesse Campbell and the late Evangelist Agnes Goodwin Campbell.  He was the ninth child of ten children.  He grew up as a very quiet and unusual child.  His talents began to flourish during his childhood as he listened to songs on television and radio, he would go to the piano and play the songs without sheet music.  His parents instilled in him to always stay with the church as a result, he focused on Christian music.

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His father was the founder and Pastor of the St. James Church of God in Christ, Chicago, Illinois and Campbell Temple Church of God in Christ, Robbins, Illinois.  Elder Wardell became the musician for the Young Adult Choir at St. James in the 1970’s.  During this period in his life he began to write and compose songs for Jesus; that list of songs stands at over 150 anointed writings.

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In September 1970, Elder Wardell suffered a great loss when his father went home to be with the Lord.  Being so young, he was taken under the wing of his eldest brother, Bishop Willie James Campbell, who succeeded their father as Pastor of the St. James Church of God in Christ.  In June 1976, Elder Wardell was reclaimed and showered with a double anointing.  He began to play for and train choirs in the Chicago land area such as:  Christian Faith Baptist Choir, Stone Temple Baptist Choir, Miracle Revival Center C.O.G.I.C. Choir, People’s C.O.G.I.C. Choir, New Bethlehem Choir, Bread of Life Baptist Choir, and People’s Baptist Choir, Progressive Baptist Choir, Second Baptist Choir, just to name a few.

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Elder Wardell also began his own singing groups, the Bishop Jesse Campbell Memorial Ensemble, (In honor of his father), the Gifted Ones, and his own band, the St. James Band.  His talents as a songwriter, trainer, and musician were greatly acknowledged through these accomplishments.

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On July 30, 1977 Elder Wardell married his love Barbara Ann Phillips.  They have been blessed with five lovely children:  La Tasha, La Tanya, Chivanda, Wardell II, and Chandace, they also have several grandchildren.

  

Through the guidance and teachings of Elder Wardell’s Pastor, Bishop W. J. Campbell and the mantle of legacy left behind by his father, Bishop Jesse Campbell, Elder Wardell was called to the ministry to preach the unadulterated Word of God in January 1986.  He has incorporated God’s Word into his music.

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Elder Wardell has conducted many concerts and workshops demonstrating the Word of God through musical education and telling dying men and women everywhere that Jesus Saves.  He has been a key musician for the All City Gospel Choir under the guidance of Charles Butler, Director/Trainer and Dr. Stole, President of the Moody Bible Institute.  In February 1995, Elder Wardell presented a song that was performed by the All City Choir entitled, “The Harvest Is Plenty”, over 4000 people attended this service, and a standing ovation was given for that God-given selection.  During this time period, Elder Wardell also decided to support his sister and brother in love, Pastor Cornelius English and Dr. Lillie M. English at the Calvary Temple Outreach Church of God in Christ.  He and his wife Barbara graciously served as Ministers of Music and assisted in all areas that their help was needed.

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Elder Wardell was the musician for ‘The Harvest’ a tent convention at the Rock Church, Chicago, Illinois.  He also appeared in the movie ‘Original Gangstas’ as the church organist, television programs in the Metropolitan area, and several workshops in Cedar Rapids, Iowa where he performed many of his original songs.  He accompanied many artists such as:  Ron Winans, Lawonda Campbell, Ethel Hollaway, Jim Palmore Singers and many others.  Elder Wardell’s performances include:  Moody Bible Institute Pastors’ Conference, where over 2000 pastors come together from around the world.  He presented instrumental concerts from 2001through this present time.

  

Elder Wardell has been persistent in following the path that the Lord has for him to fulfill.  As of 2024, he has reached his goal of completing his instrumental and group recordings with a variety of songs of praise.  (Make sure you purchase your copy).  Additionally, Elder Wardell now serves as the Assistant Pastor of the Calvary Temple Outreach Church of God in Christ.  He continues this walk of Salvation for the Lord and endeavors to do more as God continues to Bless his Ministry.