FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Miller Wright / Dan Fortune at (212) 977-7800
FEINSTEIN'S AT LOEWS REGENCY
PRESENTS
THE RETURN OF R&B SENSATION
FREDA PAYNE
“CELEBRATING ELLA FITZGERALD”
FEBRUARY 26 – MARCH 1, 2008
FEINSTEIN’S AT LOEWS REGENCY, the nightclub proclaimed “Best of New York” by New York Magazine and “an invaluable New York institution” by The New York Post, continues its Spring 2008 season with the return engagement of the chart-topping R&B and jazz singer FREDA PAYNE. “Celebrating Ella Fitzgerald,” which runs from February 26 – March 1, is a tribute to the late, great “First Lady of Song.” Backed by a jazz quartet, Ms Payne will perform several of Ella’s greatest hits including “A-Tisket, A-Tasket,” “Mack the Knife,” “Sweet Georgia Brown,” and “It Don’t Mean A Thing.” All performances will be at the Regency Hotel (540 Park Avenue at 61st Street).
FREDA PAYNE, best known for her worldwide Top 10 smash “Band Of Gold,” grew up listening to Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, which inspired her growing interest in music. While still in school, she began her singing career with commercial jingles in her hometown of Detroit, Michigan. Her polished voice caught the attention of music executives and she was wooed with contracts from the likes of Berry Gordy and Duke Ellington, but her mother wanted her to finish school first. After she did, the legendary Pearl Bailey gave Freda her first professional job which led to her sharing the stage with other legends such as Sammy Davis Jr., Billy Eckstine, Bill Cosby and many others. Freda toured with Quincy Jones during his big band era; performing at the world famous Apollo in New York and the Regal in Chicago, among others. Soon after, she recorded the album When The Lights Go Down for Impulse Records and How Do You Say I Don’t Love You Anymore, for MGM.
She made guest appearances on top television shows including Merv Griffin and Johnny Carson. During this time, a busy Freda also added theatrical credits to her resume. She understudied Leslie Uggams for the Broadway show Hallelujah, Baby! in 1967 and appeared with the Equity Theatre in a production of Lost in the Stars.
In 1969 her hometown friends, brothers Brian & Eddie Holland and Lamont Dozier persuaded Freda to sign with their newly formed label, Invictus. These distinguished songwriters were responsible for putting Motown music firmly on the map by writing and producing million-sellers for acts such as the Four Tops, Martha & the Vandellas and the Supremes, whose final lead singer is Freda’s sister Scherrie. Freda went on to score with two million-selling singles: “Bring The Boys Home” and “Band Of Gold.” She also recorded “Deeper and Deeper,” “Cherish (What’s Dear To You)” and “You Brought The Joy.”
Freda moved to ABC and later Capitol Records, releasing such albums as Payne & Pleasure, Out Of Payne Comes Love and Supernatural High. 1993 saw the release of her critically-acclaimed album An Evening With Freda Payne.
In the 1980s, Freda concentrated on acting and television, hosting her own talk show, but never entirely losing touch with her music. She recorded a single in 1982 entitled “In Motion” (Sutra), and a remake of “Band of Gold” with Belinda Carlisle in 1986. In the 1990s, Freda recorded several songs for Ian Levine’s UK Motorcity label, including “Memories and Souvenirs” and “Only Minutes Away”, and released several albums Dove Music, including her first Christmas album, Christmas With Freda and Friends.
The new millennium brought a new album of jazz, pop and R&B called Come See About Me for the Volt label and rave reviews for the show “Love & Payne”, which featured Freda and Darlene Love at Feinstein’s in New York and the Cinegrill in Hollywood. Recently, Freda played a three-month run of Blues in The Night, alongside Maurice Hines at San Francisco’s Post Street Theatre. Her new pop/R&B recording is titled On The Inside.
FEINSTEIN’S AT LOEWS REGENCY will play the following schedule: Tuesday through Thursday at 8:30 PM. The new weekend schedule will present shows on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM. The 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM shows have a $60.00 cover with new $75.00 premium seats, both with a $40.00 food and beverage minimum. The 10:00 PM shows have a $40.00 cover with new $60.00 premium seats, both with a $25.00 food and beverage minimum. Jackets are suggested but not required. FEINSTEIN’S AT LOEWS REGENCY is located at 540 Park Avenue at 61st Street in New York City. For ticket reservations and club information, please call (212) 339-4095 or visit us online at feinsteinsatloewsregency.com and TicketWeb.com.
