Interview with Artist Freddye AKA Pittsburgh’s Lady of the Blues

Studio CarryOnHarry : Featured artists for today’s interview is known as “Pittsburgh’s Lady of the Blues” . Yes we are talking about Miss Freddy, who beyond her singing passion is also taking care of Cancer Patients and has survived cancer herself. Here are some things that she told Studio CarryOnHarry to inspire and update her fans.

Interview Excerpts with “Pittsburgh’s Lady of the Blues”

 

Tell us about yourself ? 

I am Miss Freddye, know as “Pittsburgh’s Lady of the Blues”. I have 2 bands, acoustic four piece (including me) Miss Freddye’s Homecookin Band. Five piece(including me) Miss Freddye’s Blues Band. Then I have an acoustic duo act, WHAT A PAIR! I am from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My goal has always been to give some type of soothing thru the music I sing for people who can find comfort in the music I do.

How long you been in performing arts ?

I have been singing professionally for twenty five years.

What was most attractive part for you to be in this industry ?

It be able to collaborate with other musicians. To learn from them and then to build on my own journey as a performer!

Share some experiences ( good/bad ) any that made you grow in life or profession ?

I have many, many experiences. But, there are two life episodes that have kept me grounded even to this day!

Back in 1998 and 2004, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. 1998, I cried for twenty four hours straight. No sleep. I was angry, shocked, hurt, in denial, and did the whole “self pity” thing. Then, my mother called me and she really didn’t know what to say to me. So, she said, “you have to think about your kids!”. Well, afterwards, I prayed and said to myself, “time to get it together!”.

I am a registered nurse, who has taken care of cancer patients, surgical oncology is my specialty. To have that diagnosis, twice was an awakening for me! I know what the patients I have taken care of over the years have felt like. It haunts me that cancer may come back!

The other “eventful” event happened some years ago. I was performing at a local venue. I noticed a young woman came, ordered a drink. She had on a white uniform. I said to myself, ‘hey a fellow nurse, someone I can talk to during my break!” Well, I talked to her after my show was over. She came up to me and complimented me and my band for a great job and she enjoyed the music! She told me she stopped in Ling enough to get a drink and she was going home to ‘kill’ her husband because she found out he was cheating on her!

Well, that just made me think of all kinds of things! I talked with her for awhile. Of, course months later saw her again. She left her husband. As of about three years ago, I saw her with a new husband and kids! I’m so glad she liked the music we did and she listened!

Who inspired you ? How do you work on creating your own signature style ?

My inspiration is the legendary Koko Taylor! She command the stage and sang the Blues as it should be! I had to develop myself over the years. I had to look at my “looks”. The clothes, the personality. Since I called “Lady of the Blues ”

I have to act accordingly. I have started taking vocal lessons this year! I want my sound to be unique.

What do you want to convey through your music?

I want the message of hope and don’t let nothing drag your spirit down (this is name of a song!) I want people to be able to go back to my music, to find it soothing, powerful. Music that speaks to them, on an individual level.

Story behind making of your new track / Album? ( idea of making , some interesting inspirational facts to share)

My latest single, ‘Something to believe in” was the original idea from my producer, Bryan Cole. He felt this song needed to be sung by me with the passion and drive that I do when I am performing. It was written by Frank Wildhorn, as a love ballad. In my opinion I see as so much more.

Given these times we are living in, I agree with Bryan’ idea, this is a song about faith, about finding that one thing, one being we can believe in or hold on to. As I take the music I do to the level of ministry music, this leaves the door open for those who need comfort , who may even need healing. It took alof.of vocal takes in the studio.

I never want my vocals ‘tweaked” I want my voice to be heard the same as in the studio and live in front of an audience! I am moving to doing more gospel. This song does that!

Any interesting trivia about making of song ?

Well, I have to listen to certain classical piano to get my creativity going!

People who you would like to thank ?

I thank my mother, my mentor Big Al Leavitt, my family, my bandmates.

People who you would like to work with and people you idolize to be like professionally ?

I would love to work with Kid Andersen and his wife Lisa, and Andy Santana again. They are gifted, down to earth and show a passion for the music they do! I really admire Tina Turner for her onstage presence. How she command the stage and how musicians who backed her knew her the performer

Where do you see your music 3 years from now ?

I see the my music being featured in movies!

How would you like to stretch your boundaries of genre in future projects ?

I already do that. I have sang rock, jazz, Country, and bluegrass mixed with blues. I have learned to be flexible to possibilities of going beyond what I do now as a singer!

Message for Fans and listeners

Thank you for listening to my music! Add me to your Playlist! I appreciate all of you! Together we can make music always!

Website Link Music Artist Pittsburgh’s Lady of the Blues

https://www.missfreddye.com

Facebook Handle

https://www.facebook.com/MissFreddye

Twitter Handle

Tweets by missfreddye17

Instagram Handle

https://Instagram.com/freddyestover

Spotify Handle

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6SakuRHm7ApYa5mow2PN9m