Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZPAYNE, Freda(b 19 Sep. '45, Detroit MI) Jazz and soul singer. Studied music in Detroit with sister Sherri (who joined the Supremes after Diana Ross left); went to NYC '63, toured in that decade with Quincy Jones, Duke Ellington; recorded with little success for MGM. Big moment came when Holland--Dozier--Holland left Motown and started their own Invictus label: Payne was one of their first signings and her first record was the unforgettable 'Band Of Gold' '70, no. 3 pop/top 20 soul USA, no. 1 UK. Other hits incl. 'Deeper And Deeper' same year (top 40 USA/UK), 'Cherish What Is Dear To You (While It's Near To You)' (last UK hit), 'Bring The Boys Home' (top 20 USA pop, no. 3 R&B). Invictus closed down; she recorded with less chart success for ABC and Capitol, reverted to earlier jazzier style, hosted a US TV show and remained a popular club attraction. The (Unauthorized) I Hate Barney Songbook was on Dove Audio '94; best-of Deeper And Deeper was on HDH. |