Pittsburgh's Miss Freddye nominated for several music awards
A song published 120 years ago, “Wade in the Water,” is making waves for a local singer today.
Freddye Stover, known in the regional music scene as Miss Freddye, debuted her version of “Wade in the Water” as her latest single.
‘I grew up in church listening to ‘Wade in the Water,’” Stover said. “I knew it was public domain and I chose it because of what is going on in our world today. It is a song that if you listen to it, you are being led to something positive.”
Her performance of that song earned her a nomination for the gospel/Christian cover song category for the Fair Play Music Awards-Red Carpet Award Show, based in The Netherlands. She was also nominated in the categories of female Voice of the Year and entertainer.
“It is cool to be recognized, but I will always stay humble about it and never be conceited about it,” said Stover, 63, of Ross, who grew up in Garfield and is a Peabody High School graduate. “There is always someone better than you, and I try to do better each day. I am happy I can do what I love.”
Fair Play Country Music is an online magazine and promotional organization that features independent artists internationally. The award will be announced virtually on Aug. 28.
Co-founder Gaby Agrikola said that Stover “has a stunning voice and we love to include her.”
Those who know Stover attest to the fact that she always sees the good in things. A nurse for 33 years, she is an outpatient coordinator at UPMC Presbyterian for Dr. Kenneth Lee in surgical oncology — and a two-time breast cancer survivor herself. She has two grown sons, one who is on the autism spectrum.
“She is so talented,” said John Vento of West Deer, who founded Band Together Pittsburgh with Ron Esser of Frazer, owner of Moondog’s and the Starlite Lounge in Blawnox. Stover, who once lived in Harrison, was featured in an October Tribune-Review story about her work with Band Together. The nonprofit provides programming, musical experiences and vocational opportunities for those on the autism spectrum.
Her dedication to all areas of her life makes her the “superwoman of Pittsburgh,” Vento said. “She is one of the finest female vocalists in the region.”
Stover has no formal musical training. Her singing career began in 1996 when Mike Thompson, a bass player she was dating, heard the single mother serenading her younger son with “Silent Night.”
In 2002, Stover formed a band, Blue Faze, and then Miss Freddye’s Blues Band and Miss Freddye’s Homecookin’ Band. She and Pittsburgh musician Mike Sweeney are collaborating on a roots and blues CD. It will have nine songs, eight original and “Wade in the Water.” The release is planned for August.
Stover has been nominated for a Prayze Factor award to be announced in Atlanta in September. Voting begins March 1 here. She is also eligible for Pittsburgh Magazine’s Best of the ‘Burgh.
Stover said the pandemic has been challenging for her as a mom, nurse and a musician — but there is hope.
“Hope means to me that when a situation seems hopeless, you have to still believe and keep the faith,” Stover said. “I want to give people something they can hope for through my music.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region’s diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of “A Daughter’s Promise.” She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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