Ratliff was born in Logan County, West Virginia on September 19, 1933.
Ratliff wrote "I Don't Care," "Three Little Words I Love You," "Just A Piece Of Paper," "Dim Café," "Do Your Thing," "Who Do You Think You're Fooling," and "Drunk on the Street."
Ward also wrote the songs "Above All Else" and "I Found It" which appear on Ratliff's 1998 album "Wings Of Love."
In 1968, he released a single "Rum Dum"/"He Walked In" on Sims Records.
In 2006 Ratliff, his three daughters, and two granddaughters released an album called A Little Good News.
They continue to sing Gospel Music throughout Indiana and have appeared at many different churches.