For newer fans, how did your passion for music and career come about? I have always had a passion for music growing up. The passion really hit home when I started singing in church and then in my very first band! My mentor, “Big Al” Leavitt put me on the path of singing professionally and gave me lots of encouragement! He told me people will want to hear me and I have to embrace that! I have!
What was the best piece of advice you've ever been given about pursuing a career in music? The advice I was given by my mentor was “bring out your voice! Let the people hear you!”
Which song off of your EP is the most dear to you and why? My song “Lady of the blues” means a lot to me. It was written by a friend of mine, Steve Nestor, who has since passed away 3 years ago. It is a testament to who I am or anyone, who have gone up against walls of life, struggles. I love that song, the title.
If you could only perform one of your songs for someone who has never heard of you, what song would that be? I would sing Miss Freddye’s gonna fix you up fine for anyone has never heard me before. It’s a song about healing, about caring. It's got that get up and dance feel to it! Or make you sing! Feeling good is what it's all about! That song does it!
Do you have any pre-show rituals? Before each show, when I enter a venue, I say hi to the crowd, thank them for coming out and stay tuned! Then, I go off into a corner and say a prayer, then I gather my bandmates around give them a pep talk! This is a ritual I have followed for a few years now.
What is an example of a menu you would prepare if I came over? A meal I would prepare would be a pot roast with onions, peppers, mashed potatoes, caramelized asparagus, grand honey biscuits, and my famous "sweet pea” pie for dessert!
What is your favorite dish to cook? My fav dish to make is lasagna!
How do you drink your coffee? I like my coffee with one Splenda packet and 3 teaspoons of cremora, piping hot!
Where is your favorite place to eat in your hometown? My fav place to eat near me is First Watch! I love their breakfast menu!
If you could be sponsored by one food/drink brand who would it be and why? If I could be sponsored by Hershey’s, that would be the one. I love the Hershey's with almonds. But, more importantly, the company gives back to the community and that is important to ne, taking care of others.
About Ms. Freddye:
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 charity works include: Relay for Life American Cancer Society, Pink Day in Leechburg, PA for Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Sean Carney's Blues For A Cure, Local VFWs and American Legions, Toys for tots, homeless veterans, Band Together Pittsburgh, and Sing to Stop domestic violence.
She has won past blues competitions; 2008 West Virginia Blues Society for Best Blues and 2012 Blues Society Of Western PA Best Duo/Solo Act.
In 2014, Miss Freddye was awarded the Star Award from the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center for her work with veterans. She was awarded the 2015 Freedom From Silence Award from the Center For Victims.
Miss Freddye has won in the Iron City Rocks Awards for Best Blues Band in 2016, 2017, and 2019. Her self-released CD, "Lady Of The Blues" won for Best Album in 2017.
In 2018, Miss Freddye was nominated for two Blues Foundation Awards, one for Best Emerging Artist CD and The Koko Taylor Traditional Blues Female.
Her latest single, “Wade In The Water” is from her forthcoming gospel album, scheduled for 2021 release.
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