As Pittsburgh’s “Lady Of The Blues,” Miss Freddye keeps the blues alive in her hometown. Miss Freddye began singing in church at a young age. The influences of church and her mother’s love of blues music, gave Miss Freddye the foundation to venture in the world of blues music in 1996. She joined BMW(Blues Music Works) under the direction Of “Big” Al Leavitt.
In 2002, Miss Freddye went on to form Blue Faze and several years later, Miss Freddye started two bands, Miss Freddye’s Blues Band (electric blues) and Miss Freddye’s Homecookin Band, (acoustic blues, classic rock, gospel.)Miss Freddye’s influences include Koko Taylor, Etta James, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, Big Mama Thornton, Bessie Smith, and “Big” Al Leavitt.
Her latest single, “Wade In The Water” is from her forthcoming gospel album, scheduled for 2021 release.
Social media
www.facebook.com/missfreddye
www.twitter.com/@missfreddye17
Instagram-missfreddyesblues
http://www.missfreddye.com
- What first got you into music?
Growing up, I listened to all genre of music. It fascinated me, mademe feel great! As a kid, I would sing with a couple of friends, some of the latest songs or even making up songs!
- Who inspired you to make music?
Not knowing, God was and still is my director as I pursue the music I do. My mentor, “Big Al” Leavitt encouraged me to continue to sing. It was his band, Blues Music Works or “BMW” that I joined my first ever band.
- How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I would describe it as a combination of telling it like it is and adding “ingredents” of life, of situations.
- What is your creative process like?
When writing a song, I take a hint from a life story, or a moment of hearing something from a conversation, or listening to music. I usually write down a title for a song and then the words flow. I usually write poetry. I have to be in a quiet place/room. A combination of all of these gives me the creativity I need to make a song.
- Who would you most like to collaborate with?
I have collaborated with some of the most talented songwriters in the tristate area. I have always wanted to collaborate with Tab Benoit. The music he does gets back to the reality of it all. I like that.
- If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
I would have loved to have open for Koko Taylor!
- What is one message you would give to your fans?
I would tell them thank you and let’s build music we will enjoy together. Let’s share our love of music, our love of sharing in what we believe in.
- Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
Well, yes I do! I love singing a variety of songs! I may sing Grapevine by Marvin Gaye, or when I go away by Levon Helm, any one of the songs from my albums, Wade in the water, or something gospel.
I find the steam from the shower helps my vocal cords!
- What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
Well, I am a nurse, so that is what I would be doing. Actully, I still work as a nurse.
- Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
I have performed in the tristate area, Memphis, Alabama. I love all the venues I have performed in. Bu, my favorite places to perform in were the nursing homes. The look on the seniors faces, their reactions would make my day. It would drive me to continue to reach out. Because, some of those fokls did not have have anyone visit them. I would be able to sit and talk with some of them. We would talk music and how it was in their lives at one time.
I have a show in Market Square district, downtown Pittsburgh, Pa on Oct 29, 11a-1p
I have a show at the Trinty United Methodist Church, Brackenridge, Pa, Nov 22, 4p-530p.
- How do you feel the internet has impacted the music business?
To me it has had a great impact. Musicians are able to share their music to their fans more, more collabarotions among musicians, and more listening platforms for the fans.
- What is your favorite song to perform?
I have a number of “fav” songs. But, I love to sing At Last!
- What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
Does this mean musically or personally? How about I answer personally? When I was in middle school, started smoking Eve’s and got sick, my mom found out! Being grounded had a whole new meaning back then! HA!!!!
- What is the best advice you’ve been given?
To stay true to who I am, never forget how I got started, always believe in what you set you mind, heart to. Most of all never lose your faith.
- If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
I would not want music to be a competition. There is enough room for all who love to make music!
- What’s next for you?
I will be working on 2 albums, blues ad gospel. Working on a European tour in Nov 2021.
- How important is the current COVID crisis to you and how do you think you coud help?
As a nurse, this is important. It is my duty as a healthcare provider, I am sworn to provide preventive healthcare and promote health care. I own between 50-65 masks. I post on social media my masks. To let people know its ok to wear them, be fashionable, and stay safe.