The definition of sophistication comes in the embodiment of the versatile vocalist Freda Payne. She is an accomplished internationally acclaimed chanteuse whose musical tastes span the range from Miles Davis to Motown and beyond. Payne is equally at home performing with a symphony or an intimate jazz trio. Her remarkable multi-faceted career spans over four decades and includes theater, Broadway, concert stage and film.

Starting her career off early singing radio commercial jingles in her hometown of Detroit, Payne quickly caught the attention of music executives and artists. At the age of 17, Pealr Bailey gave Payne her first professional job, and she went on to share the stage with legends like Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton, Sammy Davis, Jr., Billy Eckstein, Quincy Jones, Bill Cosby, and many others.

Her first love being jazz music, Payne felt this was the way to become a great jazz singer like those she had admired, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Billie Holiday. But fame evaded her until she became reunited with her hometown friends Brian and Eddie Holland and Lamont Dozier. They were setting out to establish their own record label. The company was named Invictus Records. "Band Of Gold"was an international hit, followed by"Bring The Boy's Home." Other songs that successfully entered the pop charts were "Deeper and Deeper", "Cherish What's Dear To You", and "You Brought The Joy."