Drop-dead gorgeous and possessing a bright, clear singing voice, SoulTracks Lifetime Achievement Award winner Freda Payne has carved an enviable career on record, stage and screen over the past half century.
And while her biggest hits were in the 1970s, the talented Ms. Payne has continued to sound great well into the new millennium. She created a concert tribute to her idol Ella Fitzgerald that took her around the world. She even briefly played Fitzgerald (padding and all) in the stageplay “First Lady of Song” in 2004. She followed with On The Inside (2007) and Come Back To Me Love (2013). And then in 2021, Freda issued Let There Be Love, an excellent album of duets with stars ranging from Kenny Lattimore to Johnny Mathis.
While many of her contemporaries have cut back or stopped performing altogether, Payne continues tirelessly. She works out, takes incredible care of her health, and performs regularly. She modestly says “survival” is her driving force, keeping her active and relevant.
For our latest SoulTracks Lost Gem, we take a look back at the brilliant title cut from On the Inside, where Payne worked with legendary songwriter and producer Preston Glass. It was a powerful ballad that, for our money, deserved more attention than it received.
Check out “On the Inside” below and tell us what you think!
By Chris Rizik
