Best known for her iconic 1970s hit, “Band of Gold,” Freda Payne is a Detroit native whose vocal talents were discovered early in her life. From singing at local events and appearing on television talent shows, including Ted Mack’s Original Amateur Hour, she joined The Don Larges Make Way for Youth radio show at just fourteen. Her early career included an album deal with Impulse Records/ABC Paramount and later with MGM Records.

A protégé of Quincy Jones during his big band era, Freda also graced the stage of the Montreux Jazz Festival in 2008 as part of his seventy-fifth birthday celebration. While she is widely recognized for her gold records “BAND OF GOLD” and “BRING THE BOYS HOME” produced by Holland, Dozier, and Holland, Freda’s talent has garnered her a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Female Vocalist for “Band of Gold,” and another nomination from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Science for her album “CONTACT.”
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Beyond music, Freda has also appeared in several films, including “The Book of Number 1s,” “Rag Doll,” “Sprung,” “Nutty Professor the Klumps,” “Cordially Invited,” “Rhapsody,” “The Divorce,” and the upcoming Netflix series “Family Reunion.”

Her extensive experience in musical theatre includes roles in productions such as “DUKE ELLINGTON’S SOPHISTICATED LADIES,” “AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’,” “DADDY GOODNESS,” “JELLY’S LAST JAM,” “BLUES IN THE NIGHT,” and her recent acclaimed portrayal of Ella Fitzgerald in “ELLA FITZGERALD FIRST LADY OF SONG.”

Freda has just released her 26th CD, a Capitol Records studio recording titled “LET THERE BE LOVE,” featuring jazz big band arrangements and duets with renowned artists like Johnny Mathis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kurt Elling, and Kenny Lattimore, which is currently charting in the jazz world. Her previous album, “Come Back Love,” was a return to her jazz roots. Additionally, her new memoir, “Band of Gold,” co-written with Mark Bego, which recounts her remarkable life story, is now available on Amazon.

Continuing to captivate audiences, Freda frequently performs at Jazz Festivals, appears as a guest with artists such as Michael Feinstein at Lincoln Center and Christian McBride, and consistently draws large crowds at R&B Soul Festivals, including sold-out shows in London for over 10,000 fans.

Freda Payne; Valentines is for Lovers singing Ella Fitzgerald

Freda Payne is best known for her 1970 hit from Invictus Records, "Band of Gold," written by the founders of Invictus, the famed Motown hit team, Holland-Dozier-Holland (Lamont Dozier and brothers Brian and Eddie Holland).                              
                                                
But she began her career as a jazz singer in the early to mid-1960s. One of her biggest influences during that time was one of jazz's greatest vocalists, Ella Fitzgerald. Payne references other inspirations, but claims "Ella was the one I felt most attached to." So it's fitting that some 60 years later,                                 
                                           
Payne pays tribute to the greats, Ella Fitzgerald,  Nina Simone, Carmen McRae and many more. 
                                               
Payne is a delightful storyteller, cluing us in on Ella's early forays on the stage–including her appearance at the Apollo Theater's amateur night, where she had intended to dance, but ended up singing and winning that night–and being discovered by big band leader Chick Webb, the night was mostly about the songs Ella sang. With an uber-tight trio of musicians (Larry Dunlap; bassist Gary Brown; and drummer Leon Joyce, Jr.) are on board to keep the mood swinging from start to finish.    

Quote by Patrick Thomas                    
Payne's love for the Queens of Jazz is evident in every moment of her performance.  

Larry Dunlap 
Pianist, composer and arranger Larry Dunlap has a multifaceted career that includes extensive work in the fields of jazz, classical and popular music.  Since the early 1980s Larry has been pianist in North America with the British singer Dame Cleo Laine and her musician husband Sir John Dankworth. His past work has seen him appearing and/or recording with jazz vocalists Mark Murphy, Sheila Jordan, Ernestine Anderson and Joe Williams as well as instrumentalists Gerry Mulligan, Art Farmer, Ralph Towner, Ernie Watts, Bud Shank and Larry Coryell, to name a few. In the pop music field Larry has toured with The Pointer Sisters, Country Joe McDonald, and others.           
                                          
Please join Marin Jazz and The Lark Theatre this Valentines day SAT Feb 14th for a special night.  

On Thursday, February 26, legendary vocalist Freda Payne takes the stage at the iconic Vibrato Grill Jazz Club in Bel Air, California, for an unforgettable evening titled “Freda Payne Sings All That Jazz and More.”
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Set in one of Los Angeles’ most intimate and celebrated jazz rooms, the performance promises a night of elegance, storytelling, and musical mastery. With a career that spans jazz, pop, soul, and Broadway, Freda Payne brings a lifetime of artistry to every song she sings. Audiences can expect inspired interpretations of jazz standards, sophisticated arrangements, and a few delightful surprises drawn from her remarkable and genre-defying repertoire.
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Serving as Musical Director for the evening is acclaimed pianist and arranger Josh Nelson, whose sensitivity, swing, and deep understanding of the jazz tradition make him the perfect collaborator. Together, Payne and Nelson create a musical dialogue that is both heartfelt and exhilarating, blending classic jazz stylings with contemporary flair.

Vibrato Jazz Club—founded by the late Chuck Mangione—is renowned for its world-class acoustics and upscale yet welcoming atmosphere. It is the ideal setting for Freda Payne’s warm, expressive voice and magnetic stage presence, offering audiences a rare chance to experience a true music legend up close.

Whether you are a longtime admirer or discovering her live for the first time, “Freda Payne Sings All That Jazz and More” is an evening not to be missed—an intimate celebration of jazz, artistry, and timeless song.

One night only. One legendary voice. An unforgettable jazz experience.

Get ready to groove with the legendary Freda Payne as she takes the stage at the Disco Era Theme Show Fundraiser—live at the iconic Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood!

Step into the sparkle, soul, and rhythm of disco’s golden age as Freda performs “Love Magnet,” her vibrant disco hit recorded during her time with Capitol Records.

This one-night-only event will also feature talented La Voix Studio performers, accompanied by a live professional band, bringing the electrifying hits and disco-inspired favorites of the era to life on stage.

✨ Special Guests:
Enjoy performances by Scherrie Payne and Lynda Laurence, formerly of The Supremes, along with Joyce Vincent of Tony Orlando and Dawn! These iconic voices will join Freda for an unforgettable night of music, memories, and celebration.
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🎶 All for a Great Cause!
Proceeds from the event benefit music education through the Maison de Music Foundation, supporting the next generation of musicians and artists.

📅 Monday, October 27, 2025
📍 Catalina Jazz Club, Hollywood
🎟️ Tickets on sale now!

Doors open at 6:30 PM for raffles, photos, and pre-show fun. The show begins at 8:00 PM—so put on your dancing shoes, dress to impress, and get ready to celebrate the era that defined the dance floor!

🪩 Get your tickets today and let’s get this disco ball rolling!