Barbara Payton is a sultry, Detroit rock singer/songwriter with a soulful, bluesy voice. Recognized as one of Detroit’s most powerful and engaging live performers, Barbara Payton has rocked stages, festivals, arenas and private listening rooms for more than 25 years. In addition to her solo career, Barbara has toured as a background singer for both Bob Seger and Kid Rock.
Awards
2013 Detroit Music Awards
- Outstanding Blues/R&B Vocalist – Barbara Payton
- Outstanding Blues Artist/Group – Barbara Payton & The Instigators
- Outstanding Rock/Pop Vocalist – Barbara Payton
2016 Outstanding Rock/Pop Vocalist at the Detroit Music Awards
2014 Women in the Arts Award from Outstanding Women Awards, an award dedicated to a woman artist or musician who has shared her talents with the community and followed her talents and passion for the arts.
LGBT Community of Michigan “Cultural Award” 2001- For outstanding contribution of time, talent, and pride. In support of the services and welfare of our community and people.
Notable Live Performances
2006 Human Rights Campaign Fund – Gala Dinner
2004 Human Rights Campaign Fund – Women’s Empowerment Dinner
1999 – 2002 Marianne Williamson’s Gospel Truth Choir, Renaissance Unity Church (special appearance by Steven Tyler & Mary Mary)
1998 – 2012 Main Stage for Motor City Pride
Opening Act for
Joe Cocker, Pat Benatar, Lou Gramm, Eddie Money, Jonatha Brooke and Terri Clark.
Toured With
2006-Present – Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band
2008 Kid Rock – The Inaugural Youth Ball
2007 Kid Rock Ball Room Blitz Tour
2006 -2007 Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band ‘Face The Promise’ Tour
TV Performances
Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band – The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band – Late Night with David Letterman
Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band – The View
Kid Rock – Jimmy Kimmel Live
Kid Rock – The Tonight show with Jay Leno
Kid Rock – Ellen
Kid Rock – MTV Tia Tequila’s Rockin’ New Years Eve
Kid Rock – VH1/Spike TV Video Game Awards
Kid Rock – Larry the Cable Guy Christmas Special
Kid Rock – CMT
Discography
2002 – ‘Enjoy The View’ – Barbara Payton
1995 – ‘Walk On Water’ – Barbara Payton
Performed on
2014 ‘Ride Out’ – Bob Seger
2012 ‘Love Implied’ – Stewart Francke
2012 ‘Stickin’ With You’ – Bobby Murray – Sang lead vocal on the song “Rock My Soul”
2012 ‘Wasted’ – Lukas Nelson
2011 ‘Live At Callahan’s’ – Shaun Murphy – Background vocals along with Laura Creamer
2009 ‘Local Boys’ – Motor City Horns – Lead Vocals on Bob Seger’s song Lucifer
2007 ‘Rock n Roll Jesus’ – Kid Rock
2006 ‘Face The Promise’ – Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band
2001 ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang: Best of Stewart Francke’
Notable Mention
Featured female background singer on Kid Rock’s Grammy nominated song “All Summer Long.”
Accolades
“[Barbara can] surprise, delight and at times astonish with her powerful, passionate voice” —Thom Jurek / AllMusic.com
“As one of the great rock voices in metro Detroit, she is right on the edge and that’s a good thing” — Pam Rossi / WCSX-FM