By John Frazier

Upon finally deciding to make my move from New York City to Charlotte, North Carolina also known as the Queen City, I didn't know what to except and I was pleasantly surprised when I was the new kid on the block. It's not everyday when a 40 plus some guy is called a "kid" on any level. A friend of mine mentioned a website, where you could shop around abundantly for friends or friends with benefits or even someone to date with the possibility of becoming lovers.

Charlotte, North Carolina

As soon as I created my screen name, it was like a moth to a flame. Almost immediately, I received e-mails from boys, who were 18, 19 years old to men who were 50 plus. It felt great to know that someone had read my profile and that I was still marketable. The married men, the bi-sexual men and, of course, the famous "down low" brothers who for some reason feel that if you appear heterosexual it makes you less homosexual, and finally the few gay guys who are comfortable within their own skin and couldn't understand why I would move from "live and let live" New York City, to bible belt Charlotte, North Carolina. All beckoned to spend some time with me. Since I was uncomfortable with having guest over to my new home so quickly, I was told that I had trust issues because I was from the Big Apple. Probably true but whatever.

The first encounter, the gentleman told me that he was 48, however, he didn't say when he was 48. When he arrived at my door, I knew that 48 was probably 10 years ago. After we played around sexually, safe, he decided to mention that he's married and even invited me to attend church with him and his wife. I thought this was too crazy for me, so I told him, "thanks but no thanks." I was not going to live my new life as someone's secret friend with benefits. I wouldn't want that to be done to my sister, nieces or female cousins. Trust me, what goes around comes around.

Please continue to Full Story

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

Only a few months ago, the Kennedy Center Awards were honoring Ms. Diana Ross. For a moment, it appeared that all was great for the diva. All had been forgiven. No longer was there bad blood between superstar and fans. Coming from a humble beginning to becoming one of the worlds greatest performers, like her or not, she will forever by a legend.

Diana Ross

Unfortunately, with this status comes the rumors, half truths and lies. The diva and company arrived in Jamaica West Indies to perform at the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival. Upon her arrival, the organizers were informed that they did not have permission to use the mega-screens during the concert, as if this happened, she would walk off of the stage. Of course, this was a shock since mega-screen monitors are commonly used now, especially when an recording artist is performing in a huge arena or stadium. It was said that tickets cost up to $300.00. As you know, Jamaica is a poor country and I would imagine that for some who worked hard to save up for this event, this was a dream come true or was it a nightmare?

Please continue to Full Story

by Entertainment Corespondennt, John Frazier

My sister mentioned to me that I should create a "my space" account to further promote my work as an author. Up to this point I thought that "my space" was just for young kids and dirty old man but after doing some research, I discovered that "my space" is also good for networking, making new friends and lovers etc. The "my space" website also has a feature where you can do a search and if that person is a "my space" member, you are allowed to request his/her friendship.

Melba Moore

One evening I was on "my space" and did a search for Melba Moore. I'm an old school brother, and still will pull out my LP's, if necessary. Anyway, my Melba Moore search lead me to Ron Richardson, who happens to be her manager. I read his profile and immediately sent a request for his friendship, of which he granted.

After a few months, while he and I were chatting I mentioned how I was a huge Melba Moore fan and that the first Broadway play that I saw was "Purlie". I also mentioned that I had seen her in Central Park, in NYC and also at Carnegie Hall. Laughingly, I told him of the disco's I attended, dancing the night away to "Standing Right Here" and "You Stepped Into My Life", both huge hits recorded by Ms. Moore. Even tho, I love her music, I stated that I'm not one of those fans who feels that he has to go to every concert or stark any celebrity in order to appreciate their talent. From there we chatted about other things of the day.

Please continue to Full Story

How do you say its over when you've been with someone for over ten, twenty years? This person knows you better than your own blood family. You know each other's innermost secrets. How do you find the words to say that "you are not the same person that I fell in love with? And I've changed too."

When you've said goodbye, how do you become comfortable in your new life, alone? The rules have changed. You are not the spring chicken of yesterday. You've gone bald and have decided to shave all of your hair off. You've got that mid-section that wont disappear no matter how hard you work out at the gym. You lose the pounds, you gain the weight and still that stomach waves at you when you pass the mirror.

Hopefully you are wiser but that's not the first thing that your same sex counterpoints notice. You are a much better sexual lover now, even tho, "junior" may need a little assistance from that miracle little "blue" pill.

Please continue to Full Story

Just when I thought that I could enjoy the art of someone's oral skills on a cold weather night, I'm informed that HPV is causing "Oral Cancer" in Men. What the hell? I had to re-read the headline, and then I re-read this very informative article. Can you imagine that since there's a decline in smoking and some would prefer to "suck" than smoke, now we have something else to worry about. Thank God brother Mike Stobbe brought this to our attention. I don't recall reading about this in the New York Times, not saying it wasn't there, I don't read the "Times" everyday, however, you would think that this would have made the 6:00 news. There's a vaccine available for girls, and this same vaccine can be used on boys, but we need permission from our government. How long will it take to get this request approved? What are we to do in the meantime?

And since I'm writing about "oral skills", there's an outbreak of syphilis in the United States and one of the places that its hit hard is in New York City, and again, this can also be passed on to unsuspecting partners, you guessed it! Orally. Michael Carter gave us the breakdown even to the point that he mentioned that the percentages are: 37% white, 30% black and 25% Hispanic, 85% of the men in this study are gay men. Unfortunately, there is not always an immediate sign that you have come in contact with this virus and you may pass it on to someone else. You may have a sore on your penis or on your scalp, of which you may assume came from sweating, as this sore could quickly disappear. Then when you go for your annual check-up (and hopefully its quickly after this transmission), you are surprisingly informed that you have an unwanted "gift." What the f*ck?! Pardon my French.

Now here's my third, "Breast Disorders". Now every now and then I've enjoyed someone taking a nibble on my chest. Ok, my nipples, in the art of love making. I've had more than some, comment on the size as I'm a slim guy, but healthy in this department. Now I, and others, have to be concerned about this disease, that according to Katharine Stoel Gammon, in most cases is taboo. We don't really hear about men having annual check ups on their male breast. We are not told to check this area for anything that made appear strange. And when this is discovered, most men will not speak about this to friends and family for fear that this may emasculate or deprive of one's own maleness.

As for this moment in time, we are now to wear condoms even when playing orally. We are to be worried about using our throat muscles in fear that if its in used too often it may cause cancer and the pimple on your chest could be more than just a pimple. I've decided that perhaps I should just purchase some blow up male dolls, buy some new porn DVD's, perhaps an oral bump or two, and become "A" sexual.

The only one who will be feeling me up will be my physician , when I have my next annual visit.

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

• Song Of The Year - Best New Artist
• Best Female Pop Vocal Performance
• Best Pop Vocal Album
• Record Of The Year

A few months ago, back in 2007, I was channel surfing when I heard a voice and saw an appearance that stopped me dead in my tracks. On the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, there stood this young lady with a "Beehive" hairstyle, singing about rehab. I couldn't wait till the end of the song, when Jay Leno runs over, as he will say, "Great job, thank you" then he turns to the television camera and said, "Amy Winehouse!" Of course, this is what he did. At that moment, I said to myself, "A Star is Born."

For those of you, who haven't heard Amy, and you would have to be under a rock, as the new sensational CD, "Back to Black", has the song that's getting a lot of air play called "Rehab". The lyrics are "They try to make me go to rehab, but I say, no, no, no." This blend of soul, R & B, and old school, has got the record industry buzzing.

Already they are calling Amy, the best new thing. She was nominated for six grammys, of which, she won five, most notable, "Best New Artist", "Best Pop Vocal Performance" and "Record of the Year". This is her second CD, the first is titled "Frank". This British, 24 year old, has already won one award for "Best British Female".

Along with fame comes drama, as Amy and her husband have had problems with drugs and alcohol. She's already being compared to Billie Holliday, Anna Nicole Smith and Brittany Spears, as the paparazzi have aggressively pursued her every move. It's amazing, the soul that this young lady has, as she reminds one of a young Bette Midler and Barbra Streisand, also Jewish, not a classic beauty but different, striking, unique.

One journalist called her a "train-wreck." I pray that he's wrong. Ms. Winehouse's visa to the United States was rejected because of her recent issues with drugs as they are photos and videos of her smoking crack cocaine, however the world still got a chance to see what all the fuss is all about as she performed via satellite. Hopefully Ms. Winehouse and husband will get much needed help for she's such a great talent on the rise.

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

What can be said about this powerful beautiful black phoenix who has risen from New York City's Chelsea area, from controversy and from out of her own darkness in the world of drugs? Moving forward to a brand new day, what can be said about this proud, assertive, mother, grandmother, friend, multi-talented performer who's career spans "Broadway", television, comedy, producing, writing, directing, and singing, who has been known to think differently from the norm? Who has been known to think outside of the box?

She has been a godlike fire changing the world around her. Not by choice but by being herself. She was taught and she was allowed to dream. She dreamt that one day her prints would be in the cement at Mann's Chinese Theatre and not only are her foot prints there, her hands and braids are too. With a host of movies and awards behind her, Caryn Elaine Johnson, now Whoopie Goldberg, has done pretty well for herself, all within her own rules.

From Improv groups to HBO specials, to being the first person of color and women to host the Academy Awards. She continued to make changes, by God's grace and strength. There have been times when she was not understood by the African American community but still she was there, standing firm and non-judgmental.

When asked about her last name, Goldberg, and being Jewish, she explained that she's Jewish from her mother's side of the family. Up to this point, there were people who believed that the Europeans were the original Jewish people but if you study history, you will discover differently. I can also recall when Ms. Goldberg mentioned the possibility of having Chinese in her blood line, however, DNA test, broadcasted in the 2006 PBS documentary of African American Lives discovered her genetic makeup to be 92% West African and 8% European, still way before it became possible for such research, Ms. Goldberg, in her way was saying to the world that she is more than her hair, her face and her brown skin.

Please continue to Full Story

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

You can go to any gay dance club or gay bar and find a lot of queens. I would imagine that Aretha would have had a nervous break-down and would have felt dis r-e-s-p-e-c-t-ed years ago.

I am in total agreement with Beyonce's father, Mr. Knowles who has been quoted as saying, "Something this ridiculous - it's childish, it's unprofessional." He continued to say, "And it's a sad day when egos get bruised because somebody used the word king, queen, prince or princess."

Beyonce has a special kinship with Tina Turner, as when Ms. Turner was honored at the Kennedy Center Awards, it was Beyonce who sang and danced to "Proud Mary." She even mentioned that there are two "Tina's" in her life, her mother and Ms. Turner. So there's a connection, a history. Anyone who knows something about music would know that Tina Turner is the Queen of Rock and Roll. Whereas Ms. Franklin is the Queen of Soul.

Please continue to Full Story

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

In regard to Amy Winehouse: "I don't think she should have won. I think it sends a bad message to our young people who are trying to get into this business, the ones who are trying to do it right and really trying to keep themselves together. We have to stop rewarding bad behavior." quote Ms. Natalie Cole

"I'm sorry. I think the girl is talented, gifted, but it's not right for her to be able to have her cake and eat it too. She needs to get herself together." I mean, she could die. This isn't something that's cute and fun just to throw around in the press" continued Natalie Cole

"The girl really has a problem, and I think for those of us who have been in the business long enough, we know the sacrifice it takes. This is about discipline and hard work, and you don't get to just do your drugs and go onstage and get rewarded.", and finally the end of Ms. Cole's opinion.

It think amazes me, when Whitney Houston was going thru her situation, there was Nalatie Cole talking to the media and now Amy Winehouse has her demons to deal with and there is Natalie Cole again. When did Ms. Cole become the Dr. Phil of music and drugs? When she had her drug drama, everyone remained quiet in the industry. You didn't see Chaka, or any other recording diva giving their pearls of wisdom. And Natalie's fan base were prayerful and unconditional.

Please continue to Full Story

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

Janet has always been accepted by the Gay community. Our black brothers love her, the gay brothers want to be her. She crosses race, greed, color, and at the same time remains true to herself. GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) will be honoring Ms. Jackson during its 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards celebration this coming Spring 08.

Interesting but I've never felt connected to GLAAD, but maybe it's just me. Perhaps I didn't see enough color in the mix. I'm not saying that everything has to be about color, however, it's the kind of world we live in. And when attending different gay gatherings or affairs, its always comfortable to see someone who looks like you. I'm not talking about the honorary token blacks of the evening. I'm guilty, there have been times when I've looked around and said to myself, "OMG, I'm the only one here of color!" I would like to believe that organizations such as GLAAD are making an attempt to create a real rainbow.

Please continue to Full Page

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

I'm still trying to rap my brain around the fact that Hollywood has cast Beyonce Knowles as the legendary Etta James. First of all, to play Ms. James you have to be an actress of the highest level. When word went out that Hollywood was looking for someone to play Tina Turner, they didn't ask a singer, they went for the actor first.

I love Beyonce but she's not an actress yet, I don't care how many movies she appears in. Beyonce, thus far, has played Beyonce and that's ok. From where I'm sitting its going to be a while before Ms. Knowles will be respected as such, perhaps some more life experiences and a lot more acting classes.

Perhaps her people should look up the Lee Strasberg's school of acting. Marlon Brando, Shelly Winters, a lot of actors of yester year attended this remarkable school. Now don't get me wrong not every singer has to attend acting school, like Ms. Diana Ross in Lady Sings the Blues. But this wasn't just handed over to her, there are articles where Ms. Ross knew that the world was ready to claim her wrong for the part and she, ate, slept, dreamt and read every book, every article on Lady Day, to the point where you didn't know where Diana ended and Lady Day started, and to me, that's a real actor.

Please continue to Full Story

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

Not another Odd Couple, please!

It's come to my attention that we may soon have another, half hour, gay flavored prime time show on the air. The creators of Will and Grace have been given the red light for a pilot, still untitled, about two roommates, best friends since high school, one gay and one straight, both are writers. The network, ABC, has requested this order.

Which high school? Beverly Hills High School.

Is one friend black and the other white? I don't know but I doubt it.

No, not the Odd Couple, please keep up. The best friends are business partners and at home, however, the friendships are tested when the both of them get involved in serious relationships. No, not with each other but with significant others at the same time.

I really don't see the problem, if the relationships are all that serious, one buddy moves out and the other keeps the apartment or they both move out, and what's the big deal?

I would have loved to see that characters that Damon Waynes and David Alan Grier created on "In Living Color" come to life, but I'm sure that boat has sailed.

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

Enough all ready!!!

Bravo has another reality show that will premiere on Thursday, April 3, at 10:00 ET/PT. To sweeten the pie, its been announced that four of the contestants will be gay. And get ready, the names are Michael, Oscar, Miguel and James. I know some of you out there are getting moist already. Some of the dance styles will be hip hop, burlesque and Latin, and the grand prize is $100,000.00

Each week the contestant will audition for a different type of dance style. Like one week will be for a music video, another for whatever, but you get the point.

Elizabeth Berkley will host, remember the bomb, "Showgirls" and the kiddy show, "Saved by the Bell." Nominee and Tony Award-winning director and choreographer, Jerry Mitchell (Legally Blonde", "Hairspray") will act as the competitions' mentor. And of course, there's a judge panel who are, Nancy O'Meara of "High School Musical Tour" and Vincent Paterson of Madonna's "Blond Ambition" & Michael Jackson "Bad" Tours. I would imagine its like a dream come true for the 12 contestants. I'm not going to list the names, if he or she wins, you will know soon enough.

Please continue to Full Story

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

Has it been 30 years already? Yes, indeed, it has. Funny just a few years ago, I couldn't find the Wiz, had to bid for it on e-bay.

This priceless movie celebrates 30 years with Diana Ross as Dorothy, Michael Jackson as the Scare Crow, Nipsey Russell as the Tin Man, Ted Ross, not related to Diana, as the Cowardly Lion. Supporting cast members were Mabel King, Lena Horne and Richard Pryor, the Wiz.

I can recall when this movie was released, and the haters were in full force. Everyone was upset with Diana because they felt that Stephanie Mills, who played it on Broadway, should have done the movie. Diana explained that when you read the book, "The Wizard of Oz", it did not define an age. I love Ms. Ross but wanted Stephanie to play it as well, I had seen it on Broadway and Ms. Mills was unbelievable.

Diana's Wiz was in the Harlem, NYC, and many felt that it was too afro-centric but Ms. Ross wanted something that all children of, perhaps, poor families and of color could related to. It wasn't that she was putting her people down as some believed, what she was trying to express is that you can always reach out of whatever situation, take a giant step.

Sid Lumet, director and, Lena Horne's, son in law, received bad reviews, probably because he was white and not because it was a bad film. Mr. Quincy Jones did the movie score and it made you want to jump out of your seat, especially when you arrived at the Emerald City, with each color change, green, red then gold, you wanted to visit this colorful place.

It's funny but now this movie is called a classic and is 30 years old.

Happy Birthday!

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

Sisters: Aretha, Emma & Carolyn Franklin

For centuries, we have had famous families, but not to my knowledge has anyone written about famous sisters and their younger female siblings. Perhaps this article will win the lesser famous sister to a whole new group of fans.

I can recall growing up in East Harlem where even in the 60's, Aretha was and remains the Queen of Soul. It seemed that every few months Ms. Franklin had a new single release. This was before CD's, so it was nothing to go to the local record store and purchase a 45 single. Before long the fans of Lady Soul knew that she had younger sisters, Emma and Carolyn.

Emma had a hit, called, "Piece of My Heart", this was before Janis Joplin recorded it. Perhaps if the times had been different, Emma would have had a crossover record, instead of this powerful song reaching to about number 9 on black radio. Back in the day, you had black radio and white radio. Aretha's light was so bright, that I believe the other Franklin sisters were never allowed to show what they were made of vocally. I would imagine that no matter how fierce the song, the music industry would market the younger sisters as Aretha Franklin's sisters. This could be a blessing or a curse, a kiss of death.

Please continue to Full Story

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

Sisters: Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick

Dionne Warwick comes from a long line of gospel singers as her mother, her mother's sisters, of which Ms. Cissy Houston is one, were born to sing. The other family members had more of a gospel sound, Dionne's voice was not defined by being black or from the church, it was just so unique and classical . Ms. Warwick, laughed as she spoke about her hit, "Walk On By", where she didn't sound black or white. In Europe the record label put a white blond woman on the jacket cover of her hit. The audience was totally surprised when this beautiful, striking black woman walked up to the microphone and started to sing, "Walk On By".

Dionne's younger sister, Dee Dee, her voice is more soulful, but not as much as her Aunt Cissy. I've played some of Dee Dee's music through out the years and the listener would always say, "It sounds like Cissy but, it sounds like Whitney but…" or "It sounds like a more soulful Dionne." It's amazing how family will have that sound tone and will have the best harmony because of it.

Please continue to Full Story

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

The Award Winning, "Eye Was Blind", independent film has won for the Best Feature Film Drama Award and was recognized in Los Angeles and New York City to sold performances. It gives you a chance to look into the private lives of everyday families and what they may be experiencing.

Betrayal. Murder. Skin color. Interracial relationships. Self hatred. Religion. The film questions, "What can a dark skin man do for you in America?" It also questions, "Is my family dysfunctional?"

Please continue to Full Story

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

"Blues In The Night"

My mamma done told me, when I was in pigtails, My mamma done told me, Hon, A man is a two-face he'll give you the big eye, And when the sweet talking's done. A man is a two-face, A worrisome thing who'll leave you to sing, The blues in the night

Music: Harold Arlen Lyrics: Johnny Mercer

Starring the perfect package of beauty, talent, class, elegance and brains, Ms. Freda Payne in the revival of "Blues in the Night." My understanding is that its set to open on August 7th, 2008. Performances will be at San Francisco's Post Street, and hopefully it will find its way to Broadway, in NYC. This play in set in the 1930's, a time full of gangsters, hard drinking, living and loving.

Freda will be breathing new life into classic songs made famous by Alberta Hunter, Bessie Smith, followed by the likes of Dinah Shore, Rosemary Clooney, Eva Cassidy, and most recently Ledisi on the "Celebration of the Lady of Song, Ms. Ella Fitzgerald." Ms. Payne is in the company of some pretty heavy hitters, however Freda's first love of music was singing jazz. This was way before her classic one number hit, "Band of Gold."

She fell in love with the music that her mother listened to. Because of her musical talent, during her youth, she was blessed to have traveled with the greats such as Pearl Bailey, Bill Crosby, Quincy Jones, to name a few and just recently have completed, to standing room only, a tribute to again, her idol, Ella.

On top of that Ms. Payne has just completed, produced, and released a new CD, entitled, "On the Inside." It's hard to believe that this ageless diva will be 66 years young. Whatever her magic is for staying young and beautiful, it should be bottled and marketed. Records show that she was born September 19, 1942 in Detroit, Michigan. And her voice is just as rich as when she recorded Band of Gold. By the way, Freda's CD is manufactured and distributed by Band of Gold Records & Entertainment. FYI: "On the Inside" CD, Ms. Payne redid her classic hit, "Bring The Boys Home."

So if Ms. Freda Payne arrives in your city with "Blues in the Night" or her tribute to Ms. Ella Fitzgerald or perhaps she's singing songs off of her current CD, "On The Inside", go see her, you will be in for a wonderful treat!

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

Sisters: Darlene Love and Edna Wright

Darlene Love and Edna Wright

I first time I saw Darlene Love was when I was a child watching our black and white television, a show called, "Shindig". Shindig was like the Dick Clark show. You had the recording artist lip-syncing to whatever their latest record was. There was also a girl group who could sing their hearts out named the Blossoms, who were Afro American The one who held my attention was the blond in the middle, Ms. Darlene Love. I couldn't believe it. They were just like the Supremes, to me, in the sense that they were making history. Soon after Darlene's gospel voice was able to cross over to the pop stations, with "River Deep, Mountain High." Darlene sang lead vocals on "He's a Rebel," as the Crystals, and "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah," as the Bob B. Soxx and the Blue-jeans.

A few years later, Darlene's younger sister, Edna Wright, was a part of a singer group called, The Honey Cone and they recorded a number one hit with, "Want Ads", but my mother had already turned me on to this group. They has a song before called, "Take Me With You." The lead singer reminded me of Freda Payne (of Band of Gold fame). I was hooked immediately. It was years later when I read Darlene's autobio, that I discovered Darlene and Edna are sisters. Darlene had changed her last name from "Wright" to "Love". Both sisters celebrated number one hits but Darlene has had staying power, recording gospel, starring on Broadway and every year she is David Letterman's Christmas holiday guest. Once Edna's group, the Honey Cone", break up, her LP, "oops", did just that, not a great solo album. Edna also sang background vocals with Andrae Couch. While Darlene recorded a solo gospel CD.

The great thing about Darlene and Edna, no one compared them because they didn't make the connection that "Love" and "Wright" were related. Darlene went on to become an actress in the "Lethal Weapon" movies.

And in like sisters do, Darlene continues to sing background vocals with Edna. It gets no tighter than that.

By Entertainment Correspondent, John Frazier

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.