Sisters: Freda & Scherrie Payne

Ms. Freda Payne, I think I fell in love with her. She was right up there with Diana Ross for me. I can recall the album cover where she wore the sky blue jumpsuit and she looked so sad but beautiful. Plus, according to the sing, "that night on our honeymoon, we stayed in separate rooms." I remember, thinking is her husband gay? Was it an arranged marriage or something? How could he not want to make love to Ms. Payne?

Scherrie came behind with a group called, "Glasshouse," I remember my high school friend, Ben Torres, invited me over to his house. He played this sound called, "Stealing Moments From Another Woman's Life". Who is it? Sounds like Freda, but it was different. This was the first name I had heard Scherrie Payne. Big sister continued to have hit records, and on black radio she was the bomb. Sexy, smart, and could hit anything from jazz or R & B. She even stepped on the toes of our government, when she recorded, "Bring The Boys Home."

Glasshouse broke up and I don't believe that "Stealing Moments", made it to NYC radio. Years later, Scherrie would join the Supremes, which was a wonderful blend of voices, she, founder Mary Wilson and Susaye Green. Later Scherrie and Susaye recorded a LP, called "Partners", which Scherrie was able to show her writing ability. Unfortunately, Motown didn't rush or promote this LP. Scherrie wrote a song called, "Another Life From Now." Excellent! On this song you become aware of her range and power. Too bad that Scherrie is now touring as "Formerly of The Supremes." Freda has always been number one, again, older sister. Perhaps Scherrie was blinded by her older sisters success, but if the industry are not willing to listen, great voices get lost in the sauce.

Freda is still recording music and has a new CD out called, " On the Inside." I saw her walking down Lexington Avenue in NYC. She's still so beautiful. I think from my reaction, she knew that I was a fan. She smiled and walked into one of the deli's. I followed, she was with a young man, probably her son, and she stopped, looked at me, then opened the New York Post. The gentleman with her said, "You aren't in the Post today?" She didn't answer, she just smiled at me. Now I regret not saying something to her. Perhaps one day I will see her again, and trust me, I wont give up a second change to say, I have all of your music Ms. Payne. I know a lot of people know her because of "Band of Gold", listen to me when I tell you, please find her LP, "Payne and Pleasure" - excellent! Wonderful! I believe Edna Wright is one of the background vocals. Favorite cuts are: "Shadows On The Walls" but all of the songs are great!!!

Freda has also appeared in movies, television and some of the Gay Pride celebrations in San Francisco. Even today, with the war, I'm sure Ms. Payne is singing, "Bring The Boys Home." Out of "Payne" comes Pleasure.