Page 32 - BiTS_10_OCTOBER_2021

My other band is called "Miss Freddye's Homecookin Band, which was named by two local
musicians, one of them is my percussionist, Bob DiCola. My other bandmates are Mike Huston
electric and acoustic guitar, Greg Sejko on bass, and Jeff Conner on keyboards and vocals. This band

does the traditional blues classic rock and gospel.

Also, this band is also known as "Miss Freddye and Glory Be". We do gospel only.

Started out doing a duo, myself and Mike Huston, about 10-15 years ago now it has evolved into two
bands!

LL: In addition to your singing career, you’ve spent 34 years working as an oncology nurse.
Please tells us what drew you to nursing … and oncology?

MF: I worked in an outpatient clinic in Pittsburgh as a medical assistant for a few years. I was
influenced by two RNs there. One was the director of nursing and the other was assistant director
of nursing. They both were great nurses and they saw how eager I was to learn all that I could!

Besides, I wanted to go beyond what I was doing anyway. So, I applied to the local community
college after taking pre reqs and was accepted in nursing school! Both of them were thrilled! I had
promised myself and them I would be the best nurse.

I found myself in surgical oncology some year later. I worked on the head and neck cancer unit for
thirteen years! I have to be honest, I do not like phlegm!! But giving the patient care and proving
teaching to the patient and families was so much more rewarding!

Now, I am back in surgical oncology, in the outpatient setting, working for a great surgeon who

specializes in pancreatic, rectal, and colon cancers. Yes, having cancer is scary (I have had breast
cancer twice!), but the patients need the help, the knowledge, and the compassion. I love my work!

LL: Recently you have released
“single” recordings. That’s not
something the blues community
has traditionally embraced. How’s
that going for you?

MF: Yes, it is my first time! I have to
say. Believe me those singles are

being played on radio stations round
the world! I am about that! I want
people to embrace the music I sing,
to let the flow of the music embrace
them! I want to release one more
single! But that’s all I can say for
now!

LL: Your new releases are

traditional gospel recordings. Have
you decided to cross into the Gospel
market?

MF: My roots have always been
gospel. I would say I am bringing
forth gospel music. It has been a long time coming! So, the answer is yes!