Miss Freddye: Pittsburgh’s Blues Queen Rocking the Gospel Scene!

Michael September 22, 2023 4 min read 0

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Meet Miss Freddye Stover, lovingly known as Pittsburgh’s “Lady of the Blues.” When she is not calming patients in her role as a nurse, she is belting out blues and gospel tunes on stage.

More than just an entertainer, Miss Freddye is an inspiration – a two-time breast cancer survivor and an advocate for those on the autism spectrum. In this blog post, we take a closer look at the remarkable life of Miss Freddye and her unique blend of empathy and rhythm.

Born and raised in Garfield, Pittsburgh, Freddye Stover grew up with her heart close to music. Yet, it was not until later in her life that the world would come to know her as the phenomenal vocalist, Miss Freddye. But her journey wasn’t an easy one. Two bouts with breast cancer in 1998 and 2004 brought her face to face with her mortality. But Freddye was resilient.

She met her fears with fortitude and faith, turning her tears into a battle cry. Today, she doesn’t just survive; she thrives, living proof that the human spirit can overcome the darkest of times.

Freddye Stover is not just famous for her musical talent. She has also spent 33 years in nursing and currently works as an outpatient nurse coordinator at UPMC Presbyterian in Oakland. Her colleagues in healthcare speak highly of her, praising her dedication and her compassionate approach to patient care. For Freddye, nursing is not just a job, but a calling.

She believes in giving back to the community and she pours her heart into her work, offering comfort to patients and their families during their hardest moments.

Freddye’s journey into music started in 1996. Here’s how she climbed the ladder to reach where
she is today:

• Her then-boyfriend, a bass player named Mike Thompson, heard her singing and was moved
  by her soulful voice.
• She joined a band, Blues Music Works, which was looking for a singer at the time.
• In 2002, she formed her own band, Blue Faze. Later on, she formed Miss Freddye’s Blues
  Band and Miss Freddye’s Homecookin’ Band.
  Freddye does not rely on formal musical training, honing her skills through practice and dedication. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic halting live performances, she looks forward to getting back on stage, energized by the love and support of her audience.
  
  Miss Freddye’s generosity doesn’t stop at the hospital. She has been actively involved in Numerous charity events, often using her music as a means to give back. As a mother to a son on the autism spectrum, Freddye is actively involved with Band Together Pittsburgh, a nonprofit that provides musical experiences and vocational opportunities for people with autism.

Freddye uses her platform to raise funds for cancer research, performing at American Cancer
Society’s Relay for Life and Leechburg’s Pink Day, a fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Research
Foundation.
Miss Freddye’s life is a testament to the resilience and the power of positivity. Her remarkable journey from a cancer survivor to Pittsburgh’s “Lady of the Blues” is truly inspiring.

Freddye’s story reminds us that we are stronger than our circumstances, capable of turning our trials into triumphs. In the face of adversity, she chose to sing, transforming her pain into soulful melodies that continue to touch hearts worldwide.

Miss Freddye remains a beloved figure in Pittsburgh, not just for her blues and gospel music, but for her unwavering spirit and her commitment to serving others. As she continues to blend her love for nursing and music, Miss Freddye is a potent reminder of the healing power of music and the magic that happens when we refuse to give up.