Two-time Blues Music Foundation Awards nominee, Miss Freddye has been on a roll since her 2018 nominations came in. 2020 saw the release of her first gospel tune, “Wade In the Water,” which landed her on several gospel radio charts, had her face on countless websites and even garnered an interview with the UK’s biggest blues outlet, Blues & Soul Magazine. With the release of her current single, “Something To Believe In,” Freddye Stover doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. However, we were quick enough to catch up with her for this exclusive interview….
Congratulations on the success of your latest single, “Something To Believe In.” What inspired you to record that particular song?
Thank you! I love that song. For me it sends a clear message of hope and faith thru out all kinds of”storms and trials”! My producer for this song, Bryan Cole loves this song and he felt I could do this song given my voice! He and I felt the world needed a song like this, give people “Something to believe in”!
Do you play any instruments, other than being an amazing vocalist?
Currently I do not. Although I have played the bongos a few times! If you count the tambourine, then yes!
Were you involved with music as a teenager? Did you play in any bands back then? How did you get started?
I started singing as a kid with a cookie couple of neighbor kids. Just singing whatever the latest bits were. Then, my mother brought me a pink plastic microphone for Christmas one year and I really had fun holding a mic and pretending I was on stage! What a dream I had back then! As a teenager I taught myself to play acoustic guitar and the flute and to read music. Played flute in my high school band. Didn’t play in a professional band back then.
Started singing in church choir at 15. Let’s just say that was my first time singing in front of a large crowd and oh boy!!! I had to do a solo and it was terrible!! That’s how I got my stage fright! HA!
Kept singing in church choirs, but no solos!
Finally in 1996, I was dating a bass player, who heard me sing “Silent Night” to my youngest son. He said he did not know I could sing. I told him nether did I!
He told me the band he was in was looking for a singer.
So, he convinced me, I auditioned and here I am!
How would you describe your brand of music to someone who has never heard of Miss Freddye?
I would say it is a combination of blues, classic rock, soul, and gospel. It is uplifting with a lot of positive messaging, whether it is a slow torch blues ballad or uplifting AMEN gospel song!
How would you describe a Miss Freddye fan?
Eager, happy, always welcoming, and proud!
What gives you the most joy when you are on stage?
Seeing the audience dance, sing, and my bandmates smiling all the time!
Tell us about your best performance you’ve ever had? How about the worst?
Mmmm….Best one? There were a lot! I was performing at our local blues challenge and I have to say it was an absolute thrill! When we finished what standing ovation!! At that moment it was not a competition for me, it was about letting people sifting the Blues is alright!! Wow!
Worst you ask???… well, the first time I performed out with my band, when I struck out on my own. I was so nervous I did not remember half the songs we had rehearsed! What a disaster!!
What is the highlight of your music career, so far?
Being nominated for the Blues Foundation’s Blues Music Awards in 2018, two nominations!! Wow!! It had up hill ever since!
What does Miss Freddye like to do when she’s not making music?
I do alot of reading! I love romance, sci fi, thrillers. Write poetry. I am currently relearning to play the flute! I love playing corn hole!
What is up next for you in 2021?
Well, working on my next album. It will be back to my blues roots, dedicated to my mother, who loved blues music!
Putting together another video project!
I have alot of live shows coming up! Looking forward to seeing my fans again!
Thanks Freddye! We appreciate the time…
