Freda Payne is a Grammy-nominated artist and the singer behind the hit song “Band of Gold.”
Now, the Detroit native is taking the stage for a musical about the life of jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald.
Payne steps into the role of Ella Fitzgerald in the musical “Ella, First Lady of Song,” which honors the nickname the jazz icon earned. Payne said the musical includes songs like “It Don’t Mean a Thing,” “Mac the Knife,” and others.
“Ella, First Lady of Song” runs from May 29-June 23 at Meadow Brook Theatre in Rochester Hills.
Watch the video above to hear Payne talk about portraying the music legend.