Freda Payne is an American singer and actress who rose to fame in the 1970s. Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1947, she began her career as a child singer, performing in her church choir and on local radio shows. Payne then began performing as backup singer for several Motown acts, including The Supremes and The Four Tops.
In 1969, Payne released her first solo album, “Band of Gold”, which featured her biggest hit single of the same name. The song was a major hit, selling over two million copies and reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was Payne’s only major hit, but she continued to release music throughout the 1970s.
In addition to her music career, Payne also had a successful acting career. She appeared in several films, including “Lady Sings the Blues”, “The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh”, and “The Lost Man”. She also appeared in the TV movie “The Greatest Gift”, and had a recurring role on the TV series “Fame”.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Payne returned to her musical roots, performing in cabarets and jazz clubs. She released several albums, including “Memories of Love”, “The Best of Freda Payne”, and “The Other Side of the Rainbow”. Payne also continued to act, appearing in the films “The Preacher’s Wife” and “The Cookout”.
Today, Payne continues to perform and record music. She has released several jazz albums, including “The Best of Freda Payne: Jazz” and “Live at the Blue Note”. She also continues to appear in film and television, most recently appearing in the 2017 film “The Mummy”. Payne has also been a popular guest on talk shows, including The Today Show, The View, and The Late Late Show.
Overall, Freda Payne has enjoyed a long and successful career as a singer and actress. Her legacy includes her biggest hit, “Band of Gold”, as well as a number of other successful albums and film appearances. Her music, acting, and television appearances have earned her many fans, and she remains a popular figure in the entertainment industry.
