Vocalist Freda Payne is best known for her 1970s R&B hit, “Band of Gold,” but it’s her jazz roots she celebrates on her new CD “Let There Be Love, a collection of duets with Kurt Elling, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Johnny Mathis and Kenny Lattimore.

Payne studied acting, dancing and voice throughout her young life and started performing professionally as a teen, going on to work with Pearl Baily, Quincy Jones, Count Basie, Lionel Hampton and many other jazz greats.

Motown producer Barry Gordy came calling but Freda’s protective and business-savvy mother thought Freda’s career would be better served elsewhere, after questioning Gordy and realizing the control and money Freda would give up by signing with him.

Freda has toured with Broadway shows, done film and television and while she loves it all, it’s jazz that has the deepest place in her heart.