Description
Freda Payne
An intimate evening of timeless Jazz and R&B Classics, special tribute to ELLA
Best known for her “Band of Gold” hit from the 70’s
With Josh Nelson on Piano
Freda Payne is a Detroit native who never realized her talents
until the early age of twelve. Her piano teacher discovered her
singing ability and from that point on Freda was singing for local
affairs around Detroit and even entered talent contest on local TV
as well as the national TV show, Ted Mack Original Amateur
Hour. At age fourteen she joined The Don Larges Make Way for
Youth radio show broadcasted on station WJR in the penthouse of
the Fisher Bldg. Fredas first album deal was on the Impulse label
with ABC Paramount in New York. After The Lights Go Down Low
and much more. Recording her next album three years later on
MGM records. Was an early protégé of Quincy Jones during his big
band era, also performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 2008 in
honor of Quincys seventy fifth birthday celebration.
Freda may be recognized by her 1970s hits, BAND OF GOLD and
BRING THE BOYS HOME. The producing team of Holland, Dozier,
and Holland were the ones who brought her to worldwide attention
with those two gold records. Freda received a nomination for best
R&B female vocalist for Band of Gold, and another nomination
from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Science's for her
album on the Invictus label, CONTACT, also produced by
HDH. Freda has film credits as well , The Book of Number 1s, Rag
Doll, Sprung, Nutty Professor the Klumps. Cordially
Invited, Rhapsody, and the Divorce, and coming to Netflix this year
Family Reunion.
Freda has a list of musical theatre and acting in plays. DUKE
ELLINGTONS SOPHISTICATED LADIES, AIN'T
MISBEHAVIN, DADDY GOODNESS, JELLYS LAST JAM, BLUES
IN THE NIGHT, and recently starring in ELLA FITZGERALD FIRST
LADY OF SONG.
She has just released her latest 26 th CD, Capitol Records Studio
Recording Jazz Big Band CD "LET THERE BE LOVE" full of Duets
with Johnny Mathis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kurt Elling and Kenny
Latimore that is charting the jazz charts. Her previous CD Come
Back Love on the Artistry label for Mack Ave, was a return to
Freda's true jazz roots She just released her new memoirs “Band
of Gold” written by Mark Bego chock full of grand stories
recapturing her life, available on Amazon.
Freda continues to perform in many different mediums touring the
continent performing at Jazz Festivals, guesting with Michael
Feinstein at the Lincoln Center, or many other special guests such
as Christian McBride and other legends and to sold out R&B Soul
Festivals in London for over 10,000 fans.
