Freda Payne: A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald

The multi-talented Freda Payne best known for her singing career, as well as, her No. 1 hit 1970 pop anthem, “Band of Gold” has toured the world in concerts, theater performances, one – woman shows, as well as, appearances in films and television, briefly hosting her own TV talk show.  Freda Payne: A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, celebrates Ella Fitzgerald’s 60+ year career from her 1934 award – winning Apollo Theater debut and through her celebrated career as a vocalist.  

Payne developed an appreciation of music at an early age due to such sultry jazz singers as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Billie Holiday.  Payne’s own musical career blossomed soon after, as she began early singing radio commercial jingles, which brought the young vocalist to the attention of several music-biz heavyweights. Payne also worked with legendary artist Sammy Davis, Jr. during much of the 1970’s.

Payne's Broadway credits include: Hallelujah Baby, Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies, Ain’t Misbehaving, The Blues in the Night and Jelly’s Last Jam 

Part of the January Thaw Music Festival 2018