Let me tell you a story about Freda Payne, the legendary Motown singer who turned a song she initially thought wasn’t right for her into a career-defining hit. Back in the day, when Freda was 28, a well-known Motown songwriting team handed her “Band of Gold.” She thought, “Who am I, a grown woman, to sing a song about a bride left on her wedding night? This should be sung by a teenage girl!” But at 79 years old, Freda recalls the moment vividly: “I was hesitant, but those songwriters just looked at me and said, ‘You don’t have to like it, just sing it.’” And sing it, she did. “Band of Gold” skyrocketed Freda to stardom, proving that sometimes, taking a chance can change your life forever.
A Life Shaped by Music
For Freda, music was more than just a hobby—it was a way of life. Growing up in Detroit, she was the older sister of Scherrie Payne of The Supremes. Her earliest memories were filled with the rich sounds of Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, whose records she would listen to intently, often pressing her ear against the speaker to catch every note. “I would just sit there and soak it all in,” Freda reminisces. Her love for music only grew as she explored musical theater and acting, eventually becoming a versatile performer who could captivate audiences on stage and screen.
From the Page to the Stage: Freda’s Memoir
Recently, Freda added another impressive title to her already long list of accomplishments: author. Her memoir, aptly titled Band of Gold, co-written with Mark Bego, takes readers on a journey through her storied life. This isn’t just a book about music; it’s a deep dive into her personal experiences, including the "juicy" details of her romantic life and the challenges she faced along the way. It’s a testament to her resilience and authenticity, showing us that even stars have their struggles.
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Discovering Her Voice
How old were you when you realized you could sing?
Freda remembers it like it was yesterday. “I was 12 years old, and I was taking piano lessons before that. My mom started me on piano when I was 6. One day, the teacher asked if I could sing well enough to join a six-person ensemble group. I sang for her, and she was blown away. She said, ‘My God, you have a lovely voice!’” That moment changed everything for Freda, setting her on the path to becoming the iconic singer we know today.
Music in the Family
Was music always a big part of your life?
Absolutely, Freda says. She had an Uncle Johnny who introduced her to a world of music through his carefully curated record collection. “He had classical, jazz, and blues records, and he introduced me to Duke Ellington’s music when I was just 4 or 5 years old. It was magical,” Freda shares. Music was in her blood, and it shaped her into the artist she became.
What would you have done if singing hadn’t worked out?
Freda pauses thoughtfully before answering. “That’s a tough one. When I was 11 or 12, I dreamed of becoming a doctor, but I was only an average student. Then I thought about being a nurse, but I realized I might faint at the sight of blood. So, who knows? Life has a funny way of working out.”
Breaking Into the Business
Did you do any commercials as a youngster?
Freda nods, recalling her early days in the industry. “I did a few jingles, like one for Chevrolet and another for an Ohio beer company. It was all about having a Buckeye beer in your hand, but those were the days when jingles were a big deal!”
What was your big break?
Freda beams as she talks about the moment that changed everything. “When I was 16, I entered a national talent contest called Ted Mack & the Original Amateur Hour. I won second place, and that led to a feature in Jet magazine, which was a huge deal back then. That’s where it all started for me.”
Collaborations and Challenges
Did you ever work with Berry Gordy Jr.?
Freda chuckles at the memory. “Oh, he wanted to manage me badly, but he wanted 20 percent of my earnings. My mom was sharp and didn’t think that was fair. So, she said no, and that was that. Turns out, I did just fine without him!”
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What was it like working with Leslie Uggams on Broadway?
“Leslie was amazing. She’s so talented and bright. I got the chance to go on stage, which was something her previous understudies hadn’t done. I learned so much from her.”
Who else have you enjoyed collaborating with?
“The list is long! I worked with the Smothers Brothers, Sammy Davis Jr., Lionel Hampton’s band, Victor Borge, Bob Hope, Bill Cosby, and even Frank Sinatra. Each one taught me something new and made my career richer.”
The Impact of Success
How did the success of “Band of Gold” change your life?
Freda reflects on the impact of that hit. “It allowed me to command a higher salary, but with that comes more expenses. That’s why so many entertainers end up in trouble with the IRS—they spend their money before taxes are paid. A good CPA is essential!”
How did becoming a mom affect your career?
“It was tough. There was a time when I had to leave my son Gregory, who was born in 1977, because I was working on a show. I didn’t see him for four weeks, and that was heart-wrenching. Thankfully, my sister Scherrie stepped in and helped out. She’s my rock.”
Why Write a Memoir Now?
What inspired you to write your memoir?
“Fans know I’m from Detroit, but there’s so much more to my story. My sister and I had a unique upbringing, and then there’s all the juicy stuff that happened when I moved to New York at 18. I want people to know the real me, the highs and the lows.”
Do you kiss and tell?
Freda laughs. “I do! I’ve always admired Aretha Franklin’s unauthorized biographies because they got into the real dirt. I’m not afraid to share my story, the good, the bad, and the ugly.”
What younger performers do you enjoy?
“Oh, I love Adele. Her albums are incredible. There’s something so genuine about her music.”
Do you have any life mottos?
“Be kind to people. Treat everyone like royalty, and let the fools and idiots reveal themselves
