Tribute to a Trailblazer: Remembering Fayrene Treadwell’s Impact on the Entertainment Industry
As we delve into the remarkable life and legacy of Fayrene (Faye) Treadwell, we pay tribute to a pioneering force in the entertainment industry. Treadwell’s passing in 2025 at the age of 84 marked the end of an era. She was one of the first African -on-bet” target=”_blank”> female entertainment managers, and her resilience and keen legal mind left an indelible mark on the industry. From taking over the management of The Drifters her husband’s death to successfully protecting their trademark, Treadwell’s influence continues to resonate. Join us as we celebrate her astonishing career and enduring impact.
Breaking Ground and Making History
Fayrene Treadwell, a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, passed away in Burbank, CA, where she resided with her daughter. Her daughter, Tina Treadwell, president of Treadwell Entertainment and former VP of Talent and Music Specials at Disney Channel, confirmed her passing a long illness.
The passing of her husband George Treadwell, the legendary manager of late music icons such as Sarah Vaughn, Dinah Washington, Ruth Brown, Billie Holiday, and Sammy Davis, Jr, led Faye Treadwell to take on the management and control of The Drifters. This historic move saw her emerge as one of the few female entertainment managers in the late 1960s, and notably, one of the first Black female managers.
Legal Pioneer and White House Performances
Faye Treadwell was no ordinary manager; she was a tenacious trailblazer with a sharp legal mind. Her successful civil action suit to protect The Drifters’ trademark from unauthorized use set a precedent in the field of trademark and intellectual property law. This move sparked a lively debate among leading experts in these fields.
One of the highlights of her illustrious career, according to Tina Treadwell, was Faye Treadwell and The Drifters’ invitation to the White House to perform at a special event during Bill Clinton’s first term.
A Life Well-Lived
Although she made her home in Englewood, NJ, Faye Treadwell traveled the world with The Drifters and was based in London, England for over 30 years, where she hosted an annual Thanksgiving Party for Americans living abroad.
Fayrene Lavern Treadwell was born on September 5, 1926, in Okolona, AR. She graduated from Arkansas Baptist College in Little Rock, AR. She leaves behind her 107-year-old mother, Mrs. Sara Mae Johnson, and a host of , friends, and admirers worldwide.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation in Faye Treadwell’s name with one of the following three charities: The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, or The Rhythm & Blues Foundation. Funeral services will be held in Pasadena, CA and Englewood, NJ. For funeral information visit woodsvalentinemortuary.com.
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