Freda Payne Sets Hollywood on Fire With a Sold-Out Catalina Jazz Club Triumph
At 84, the legend is still standing and still stopping shows. Newswire Hollywood calls the night one of the finest in Los Angeles this season.
LOS ANGELES — Freda Payne is eighty-four years old, and on Saturday night she was still standing, still singing and still stopping the show.
Freda Payne Portrays and Honors Legendary Ladies of Song played to a sold-out Catalina Jazz Club, 6725 Sunset Boulevard, on September 26, 2026, one week after her birthday and on the weekend of the MTV Video Music Awards. Newswire Hollywood’s Music Desk has published its review, “Freda Payne Set Hollywood on Fire,” along with a full photographic report of the evening.
The production was written and directed by Donald B. Welch and presented by Don B. Welch. Payne honored nine women who shaped American song: Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Peggy Lee, Gloria Lynne, Dakota Staton, Lena Horne, Nancy Wilson, Dinah Washington and Eartha Kitt.
A night Hollywood is still talking about
Payne’s program included “How High the Moon,” “I Wish You Love,” “The Late Late Show,” “Body and Soul,” “Guess Who I Saw Today” and “Fever,” the last of which she sang in gold lamé with two men brought up onto the stage.
“The idea of doing a show honoring the legendary ladies of song and jazz was brought to me by my dear friend Donald B. Welch,” said Payne. “All these ladies were some of my favorite singers back when I started wanting to be a professional singer.”
A note from Payne printed on the evening’s running sheet reads: “I am so blessed to see another year and still be working. I thank God for that.”
Cast and company
Special guest Thomasina Gross opened the show as Eartha Kitt, a portrayal Payne called “spot on.” The evening was hosted and announced by Payne’s son, Gregory Abbott Jr. Actors Terryl DaLuz and Kyrel Jaundoo appeared, with Chuka Aruh and Mi-cha-El Wat as escorts.
The band was led by musical director and pianist Josh Nelson, whom Payne called “one of the best,” with Chris Colangelo on bass, Ricky Woodard on saxophone and Marcello Carelli on drums.
In the house
Stefanie Powers and Loretta Devine were among the guests in a room that also held many other familiar faces from the industry.
Photographs and video
Photographs by Terry Bryant, Newswire Hollywood, are available for editorial use with credit. Performance video: youtu.be/MsRGnm458fo · youtu.be/Iu58ZFcRw6Q · youtu.be/mISIKPyYvig.
Upcoming
Payne performs aboard Holland America at the end of October 2026, sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Puerto Rico and back, on a bill that also includes Darlene Love and Wayne Newton.
About Freda Payne
Freda Payne is a singer and actress whose career spans six decades, best known internationally for “Band of Gold.” Her memoir, Band of Gold: A Memoir, is available now. More on Freda Payne, her memoir and her appearances at her official website, fredapayne.net.
About Newswire Hollywood
Newswire Hollywood is an entertainment news organization in Los Angeles covering film, television, music, fashion, deals and the business of the industry.
MEDIA CONTACT
Terry Bryant · Senior Editor, Newswire Hollywood
info@newswirehollywood.com · 646-315-2942
This release is issued by Newswire Hollywood. Its independent review of the performance is published separately.