Freda Payne, an unforgettable name in the music world, skyrocketed to fame in the ‘60s with her powerful voice and timeless hits. Born and raised in Detroit, Freda made her way to New York City to collaborate with some of the biggest names in the industry. Her journey wasn’t just about music—it was about building a legacy. In 1970, Freda earned her first gold record with the iconic song “Band of Gold.” Her talent didn’t stop there; she went on to achieve success in film and theater. One of her proudest moments came on September 19, 1977, her 35th birthday, when she welcomed her son, Gregory Abbott Jr.
A Musical Journey That Defined an Era
From the very start, Freda Payne’s career was nothing short of extraordinary. Her early hits, “Deeper and Deeper” and “Bring the Boys Home,” released under the Invictus label, set the tone for what was to come. Later, she signed with ABC Records and Capitol, where she became a household name in the disco scene. In 1976, Freda married singer Gregory Abbott, who would later top the charts with his hit “Shake You Down” in the late ‘80s. Their union brought them closer, and in 1977, they welcomed their son, Gregory Jr., into the world. This marked a new chapter in Freda’s life as she navigated the challenges of being a working mom.
Balancing Career and Motherhood
Freda’s career was at its peak when her son was born, and she had to find a way to balance her demanding schedule with her role as a mother. In a candid interview with Closer in December 2021, Freda opened up about the difficulties she faced. “It got pretty difficult. I remember once I had to leave my son because I was working on a show that was supposedly heading to Broadway,” she shared. “I needed all my attention on this show. I didn’t see my son for, like, four weeks, and that was a hard thing for me to do.” Freda leaned on her sister, Scherrie, for support. “My sister, Scherrie, if she wasn’t working or busy, she would come and keep him for a few days. She helped out a lot. I have a great sister. Scherrie is my heart.”
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A New Chapter with Gregory Abbott
Gregory Abbott, Freda’s husband at the time, was thrilled to become a father. In 1977, he told Jet magazine that he was “overjoyed” to welcome their son into their lives. He described Gregory Jr. as a “sweet little spirit” and shared how he would sing Freda’s songs to calm the baby when he cried. Despite their divorce in 1979, Freda and Gregory maintained a cooperative relationship, sharing joint custody of their son. Gregory Jr. was just 19 months old when the couple parted ways.
A Life of Continued Success
After her divorce, Freda continued to thrive in her career. In 1981, she hosted her own talk show, further cementing her status as a multifaceted entertainer. During this time, she also dated Edmund Sylvers, the lead singer of The Sylvers. Edmund played a significant role in Freda’s career, helping write and produce her 1982 single, “In Motion.” Together, they attended a gala hosted by the legendary Muhammad Ali in 1982, bringing Gregory Jr. along for the memorable occasion.
Celebrating Life and Legacy
In September 2021, Freda and Gregory Jr. celebrated their shared birthday, marking a special moment in their lives. The mother-son duo posed for photos together before enjoying a birthday lunch with none other than RuPaul. Though Gregory Jr. has largely stayed out of the spotlight, he made a notable appearance in the 2006 film The Eden Formula, where he played the character Samson Webb, according to IMDb.
