Michael "Mudcat" Ward, is an American blues bassist, pianist and songwriter. Primarily he plays both the double bass and bass guitar, although he has recorded tracks playing the piano. Ward has been a member of Sugar Ray and the Bluetones for over 40 years and has had concurrent spells with Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters. Ward has gained two Blues Music Awards from the Blues Foundation, Memphis, TN in his own name, and has participated in the recording of over 60 albums.