Scherrie Payne facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Scherrie Payne
Payne in 2024
Background information
Birth name	Scherrie Ann Payne
Born	(1944-11-04) November 4, 1944 (age 80) Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Genres	R&B pop disco dance-pop
Occupation(s)	Singer
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1968–present
Labels	Invictus Motown Motorcity Altair

Scherrie Ann Payne, born on November 4, 1944, is an American singer. She is most famous for being one of the main singers of the R&B and Soul music group the Supremes from 1973 to 1977. Scherrie is the younger sister of singer Freda Payne. Today, Scherrie continues to perform both by herself and with a group called the "Former Ladies of the Supremes" (FLOS).

About Scherrie Payne

Her Early Life

Scherrie Ann Payne was born in Detroit, Michigan, on November 4, 1944. Her parents were Frederick Payne and Charcle Lee Farley. She went to Central High School and graduated in 1961. Later, she earned a science degree from Michigan State University in 1966. Before becoming a singer, she worked as a teacher. She was also featured in Jet magazine in 1964.

Singing with Glass House

Before joining The Supremes, Scherrie Payne was the lead singer for a group called Glass House. Other members included Ty Hunter, Pearl Jones, and Larry Mitchell. In 1969, the group signed with Invictus Records. This record label was started by famous songwriters Eddie and Brian Holland, and Lamont Dozier.

Glass House had their biggest hit in 1969 with a song called "Crumbs Off The Table." Scherrie sang the main part on this song, and it became very popular. Between 1970 and 1972, Glass House released two albums and nine singles. One of these singles, "V.I.P.", featured Scherrie singing by herself. The group was recognized as a top vocal group in 1970. However, they didn't have as much success after their first hit. The group stopped making music together in 1972.

Joining The Supremes (1973–1977)

In 1973, Scherrie Payne joined the Supremes, singing alongside Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong. When she first joined, Scherrie often stayed quiet during interviews. This was because reporters often asked about the group's past members, like Diana Ross. Scherrie became a main singer for the group, with Cindy and Mary singing background parts.

Scherrie sang the main parts on songs like "He's My Man" and "It's All Been Said Before." Even though she was a talented songwriter, she didn't get to write songs for The Supremes, which made her a bit sad.

Scherrie realized that Motown Records, their label, wasn't focusing on The Supremes as much as they used to. However, Scherrie helped The Supremes move into the disco music style. They had dance hits like "I'm Gonna Let My Heart Do the Walking", "You're My Driving Wheel", and "Let Yourself Go." These disco songs were very popular on the dance charts. "I'm Gonna Let My Heart Do The Walking" was a top 3 hit on the Disco charts.

The Supremes officially stopped performing together in 1977. Their last concert was in London. Mary Wilson, one of the original members, announced she would start a solo career. Scherrie and another member, Susaye Greene, tried to find a new third member. But Motown Records decided to officially retire The Supremes name in 1977.

Motown then offered Scherrie and Susaye a contract to record music as a duo. During this time, Scherrie also released a song by herself called "Fly." In 1979, Scherrie and Susaye released an album together called Partners. After this, they decided to work on their own projects.

The Former Ladies of the Supremes

In 1986, Scherrie Payne joined other former members of The Supremes, Jean Terrell and briefly Cindy Birdsong. They formed a new group called The Former Ladies Of The Supremes, or FLOS. When Cindy Birdsong left, Lynda Laurence took her place. The group then called themselves "Jean, Scherrie, & Lynda of the Supremes." They recorded a song called "We're Back."

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, they traveled all over the world. They wanted to keep the legacy of The Supremes alive. When Jean Terrell left, Lynda's sister Sundray Tucker joined the group. This lineup worked with a British music producer named Steve Weaver. They recorded many new songs, including new versions of old Supremes hits.

Scherrie and Lynda continued to tour as FLOS with a new member, Freddi Poole, who joined in 1996. In 2000, Scherrie and Lynda sang backup for Diana Ross on her "Return To Love" Supremes reunion tour. Diana Ross even let them each sing one of the classic Supremes songs.

In 2006, the group celebrated their 20th anniversary. Around this time, they started using the name "Scherrie & Lynda of the Supremes." In 2009, Joyce Vincent joined Scherrie and Lynda. In 2017, Lynda Laurence left the group, and Susaye Greene returned. In 2024, Susaye Greene left, and Lynda Laurence came back. As of 2025, the FLOS (Scherrie Payne, Lynda Laurence, and Joyce Vincent) continue to tour and keep the Supremes' music alive.

Scherrie's Solo Music

Besides her work with groups, Scherrie Payne has also released music by herself. Her song "V.I.P." was on a Glass House album. She also had popular club songs like her cover of "I'm Not In Love" in 1982. Two years later, she released "One Night Only," a song from the musical "Dreamgirls." This musical is loosely based on the story of The Supremes.

Scherrie recorded a solo album called Incredible in 1987. She also worked with British producer Ian Levine for his Motown reunion project, Motorcity Records. With Ian, Scherrie released songs like "Chasing Me Into Somebody Else's Arms" and "Pure Energy." She also covered two of Diana Ross's songs, "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "I'm Still Waiting."

Later Career Highlights

In August 2001, Scherrie performed at the Sunset Junction Street Fair in Los Angeles. She sang classic Supremes songs and some of her own solo hits. She performed there again the next year. In 2007, Scherrie was a special guest at a fundraiser in Los Angeles. She sang "One Night Only" from the musical Dreamgirls.

In 2012, Scherrie released a new version of the Supremes' hit "Let Yourself Go" with a music video. In 2013, she sang on the Pattie Brooks song "I Like The Way You Move." She also appeared in the music video for the song. On July 5, 2014, Scherrie and Susaye Greene performed a concert based on their 1979 album Partners. They were also featured in Daeida magazine.

In 2023, Scherrie Payne was honored by being added to the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Scherrie's Personal Life

From 1973 to 1977, Scherrie dated songwriter Lamont Dozier. She also had a relationship with Ronnie Phillips, who owned a record label. Scherrie and Ronnie have one daughter together, Shoshanna Payne-Phillips, born in 1985.

Scherrie Payne's Music Albums

With The Glass House

With The Supremes

With the Former Ladies of the Supremes

As a Solo Artist

Collaborations and Songwriting

Scherrie Payne has also sung backup for many other artists, including her sister Freda Payne. She has also written or helped write many songs over the past 40 years. She even wrote a musical called Ten Good Years.

Some of the songs she has written or helped write include:

• "Now Is the Time to Say Goodbye" (for Freda Payne)
• "Storybook Romance"
• "Leaving Me Was the Best Thing You've Ever Done" (with Susaye Greene)
• "Another Life from Now"
• "Pure Energy"
• "Crumbs Off the Table"
• "Light the World (With the Flame of Love)" (with Lynda Laurence)

Images for kids

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  Payne in 2024