Clif Payne facts for kids

Clif Payne is an American singer, musician, and educator. His singing style is often described as jazz, R&B, gospel, and soul music. In 2016, his duet song, No Payne, No Gain, with Freda Payne, became a number one hit on the Soul/R&B charts in Great Britain. Clif Payne has performed with many famous artists, including Evelyn "Champagne" King and Bobby McFerrin.

Clif Payne's Early Life

Clif Payne was born in Sugar Hill, Manhattan, New York, on June 8, 1954. His parents, James and Aline Payne, were both musicians. His father was a jazz musician, and his mother was a singer. They were part of the lively jazz music scene in Harlem's Sugar Hill area. Famous jazz musicians like Duke Ellington even lived in the same building as them!

In 1959, Clif and his family moved to Evansville, Indiana. Clif started playing the guitar when he was 8 years old in 1962. He also learned to play the violin at age 10. In high school, he was very involved in music. He sang and played guitar and violin in musicals. He was also a member of the school orchestra and choir.

After graduating from North High School in 1972, Clif went to Indiana University Bloomington. There, he studied music and journalism. While in college, he sang in a well-known show choir called The Singing Hoosiers. He also studied jazz with a famous composer named David Baker (composer).

Clif Payne's Music Career

Clif Payne has had an exciting music career, releasing popular songs and helping others learn about music.

"No Payne, No Gain"

In 2016, Clif Payne released his first album, Welcome To My World. This album featured a special duet with Freda Payne called No Payne, No Gain. A dance version of this song was even considered for a Grammy Award!

The song "No Payne, No Gain" was written by Preston Glass. It became very popular and stayed at the top of the Soul/R&B charts in Great Britain for two weeks. It was even named the UK's Soul Song of the Year. Clif and Freda performed their hit song live in Los Angeles in August 2016.

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Clif Payne is a regular performer at the Annual Musical Tribute Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This event takes place every year in Oakland, California. It helps support music education programs for children. Clif's involvement shows his dedication to using music to inspire and educate young people.

Teaching Music

Besides performing, Clif Payne is also a vocal instructor. He has taught singing at the California Jazz Conservatory. He also teaches music privately to students. This allows him to share his knowledge and passion for music with the next generation of singers.