Freda Payne

Singer, actress, dancer – Freda is a triple threat. With her striking beauty and her smoky sound, Freda started her career at a young age. While performing commercial jingles, she came to the attention of several music industry heavyweights. Imagine having Berry Gordy and Duke Ellington both vying to sign you to a contract. In the mid-60s, Freda toured as a jazz vocalist, sharing the bill with Quincy Jones and Bill Cosby. She even had a guest appearance on Johnny Carson. Her first hit single came after she signed to Invictus in 1969, headed by Holland/Dozier/Holland, when she released “Band of Gold.” The song peaked at number three on the pop charts. Another highlight of her career was the release of the protest song “Bring the Boys Home.” Though recorded during the Vietnam War, it is arguably relevant even today.