Payne, Freda (1945–)
Payne, Freda (1945–)
American singer and actress. Born Freda Charcelia Payne, Sept 19, 1945, in Detroit, MI; sister of Scherrie Payne (singer with the Supremes); m. Gregory Abbott (music producer, div.); children: Gregory Abbott Jr.
As child, studied voice and piano at Detroit Institute of Musical Arts, and later studied ballet; moved to NYC at 18; was understudy for Leslie Uggams in Broadway musical, Hallelujah, Baby (1965) and toured with Quincy Jones; was jazz singer with top bands, including Duke Ellington's (1960s); joined Eddie Holland in his new label, Holland-Dozier-Holland Records; released single, "Band of Gold" (1970) and Vietnam War protest song, "Bring the Boys Home" (1971), both of which went gold; other records include "Deeper and Deeper" (1970), "Cherish What Is Dear to You (While It's Near to You)" (1971) and "You Brought the Joy" (1971); films include Book of Numbers (1973), Ragdoll (1999), and Deadly Rhapsody (2001); recorded with ABC and Capitol records; hosted tv talk show, For You Black Woman (1980s).