Let me tell you the story of two legendary musicians whose lives intertwined in music and love. Freda Payne, the queen of soul, skyrocketed to fame with her 1970 hit, “Band of Gold,” which reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. But her journey didn't stop there. Before she made her mark transitioning from Motown to the disco era, she met another rising star, Gregory Abbott. Their love blossomed, and they tied the knot in 1976, welcoming their son, Gregory Abbott Jr., in 1977.
Gregory Abbott: The Man Behind the Music
Gregory Sr.'s journey is as fascinating as it gets. Born in Harlem, New York, to parents from Venezuela and Antigua, he carries dual citizenship in the U.S. and Antigua. Growing up, Gregory was surrounded by family who were equally passionate about the arts. His cousin, Diahnne Abbott, was married to Hollywood icon Robert De Niro from 1976 to 1988. From a young age, Gregory developed a deep love for music, much like Freda. But his talents didn’t stop there. Before becoming a platinum-selling recording artist, Gregory worked as an English teacher at the prestigious University of California, Berkeley. Talk about a man of many talents!
Breaking Up and Moving On
Life has its twists, and Gregory and Freda's story is no exception. After nearly a decade together, they decided to part ways in 1979. But their divorce didn’t stop them from shining brightly in their respective careers. Freda went on to host her own talk show in 1981, cementing her place in the entertainment world. Meanwhile, Gregory found new heights of fame with his 1986 debut album's lead single, Shake You Down. This song not only topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 but also the U.S. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It was the big break Gregory had been chasing for years.
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Freda didn’t shy away from sharing her experiences in her 2021 memoir, Band of Gold. In an interview with Closer in December 2021, she opened up about her life and the journey that led her to fame. “Most fans know I’m from Detroit, but they will learn things about me and my sister and how we were raised,” Freda shared. “And then, of course, all the juicy stuff starts when I get to New York at 18. So people will learn about my romantic relationships. It’s my life and my journey.”
Gregory Abbott's Musical Resurgence
Gregory Abbott didn’t just stop at one hit wonder. In a 1987 interview with the Los Angeles Times, he revealed his passion for music. “Making music and singing is what I really love to do,” he said. “I have a strong academic background so I could — and have — earned a living using that education: teaching, research, etc. But I’m into music. I want to play it, write it, sing it, produce it. But for a long time, it was just a serious hobby.”
Gregory's talent didn’t go unnoticed. He worked with the legendary Whitney Houston and even won the first prize at the Tokyo Music Festival. Returning to the music scene in 2019, Gregory released a new R&B ballad titled My Heart Has Found a Home under Mojo Man Entertainment. Celebrating the 35-year anniversary of his breakout hit Shake You Down, he released a song called Summer in the City in September 2021. Gregory explained on his website, “We have had more than our share of stress lately. In light of this, and with the winter months behind us, I thought it would be nice to write a warm-weather song. One where we remember our connection to each other and more importantly to love.”
Keeping Family Close
While Gregory and Freda have remained active in their careers, they’ve kept their son, Gregory Jr., largely out of the spotlight. Freda did share a heartwarming moment when she celebrated her birthday with her son in September 2021. The Soul Train Award winner continues to be active on social media, keeping fans updated on his life and music.
