Podcast 850: A Conversation with Freda Payne

Straight No Chaser - A Jazz Show

A Baby-Boomer like myself recalls when Freda Payne rode high on the Pop Charts with soulful tunes like “Band of Gold,” “Bring the Boys Home,” and “Deeper and Deeper” in the early Seventies. However, I did not know at the time that this sort of Top 40 R&B was an aberration for Ms. Payne – singing jazz was her first love, and her musical goal.

Since 2014, when she released Come Back To Me Love, Freda has been touring and spreading the gospel of jazz to her audiences. Seemingly ageless in voice and physical grace, she has a new release, Let There Be Love, which should do even more to bring her to jazz prominence. A collection of Big Band arrangements from Gordon Goodwin, the album has Freda paired for duets with the likes of Kurt Elling, Johnny Mathis, Kenny Lattimore, and in a sizzling medley of “Moanin’” and “Doodlin’”, fellow Detroit native Dee Dee Bridgewater.

An in-demand vocalist in her early teens, Ms. Payne crossed paths with a pre-Motown Berry Gordy Jr. and was offered a spot with Duke Ellington’s band, but her tender age made the gigs untenable. Instead, she cur her teeth singing radio jingles in her native Detroit, and then worked her way to New York to work with the likes of Quincy Jones. Mid-Sixties tours of Europe led to recording deals, but it wasn’t until she met up with old friend Eddie Holland and decided to sing a few of his soul songs that she hit the charts with her R&B singles.

In our conversation, Ms. Payne talks excitedly about her return to her jazz roots, and the circuitous route she took to get there. We talk about the making of Let There Be Love, and especially her input on the recording and singing partners. Musical selections include the “Moanin’” and “Doodlin’” medley with Dee Dee Bridgewater and the title track with Kenny Lattimore.