Freda Payne

Singer, actress, dancer � Freda is a triple threat. With her striking beauty and her smoky sound, Freda started her career at a young age. While performing commercial jingles, she came to the attention of several music industry heavyweights. Imagine having Berry Gordy and Duke Ellington both vying to sign you to a contract. In the mid-60s, Freda toured as a jazz vocalist, sharing the bill with Quincy Jones and Bill Cosby. She even had a guest appearance on Johnny Carson. Her first hit single came after she signed to Invictus in 1969, headed by Holland/Dozier/Holland, when she released �Band of Gold.� The song peaked at number three on the pop charts. Another highlight of her career was the release of the protest song �Bring the Boys Home.� Though recorded during the Vietnam War, it is arguably relevant even today.