If you’ve ever found yourself shamelessly dancing in your kitchen to the infectious bassline of "Boogie Oogie Oogie," you’ve felt the influence of Hazel Payne. It is one of those songs that just doesn't age. But lately, a lot of fans have been hitting Google with a specific, somewhat worried question: is Hazel Payne still alive?
The short answer? Yes. Hazel Payne is very much alive.
In fact, she’s still out there doing her thing. While the disco era might feel like ancient history to the TikTok generation, Payne hasn't just faded into a "Where Are They Now?" archive. As of early 2026, she is active, healthy, and occasionally still gracing stages with that signature guitar style that helped define the late 70s.
Honestly, the confusion usually stems from two things. First, the group she co-fronted—A Taste of Honey—underwent some major lineup changes and eventually a long-term hiatus. Second, people often mix her up with other R&B stars from that era who have sadly passed away. For instance, Suzanne "Minnie" Thomas, who joined a later iteration of A Taste of Honey, passed in 2015. But Hazel? She’s still here.
Where in the World is Hazel Payne?
So, if she’s alive, what is she actually up to? You aren't going to see her on every red carpet, and that’s intentional. Hazel has always been a bit more low-key than your average diva.
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Recently, she’s been spotted performing with the Las Vegas-based band Marathon. If you happen to be in Vegas or catch one of their shows, she often makes cameo appearances. It’s kinda surreal to see a Grammy winner just jump on stage to shred through "Boogie Oogie Oogie" in an intimate venue, but that’s the reality. She still plays the guitar like it's 1978.
She has a personal website that she updates periodically, though it looks a bit like a digital scrapbook. It’s filled with photos of her travels—places like Morocco and Moscow—and shots with old friends like Rich Little and the late Pat Morita. She seems to be living a life that is less about "the grind" and more about enjoying the legacy she built.
The A Taste of Honey Breakup
To understand why people keep asking if she's still around, you have to look at the messy history of A Taste of Honey.
The group was a powerhouse. They won the Grammy for Best New Artist in 1979, famously beating out Elvis Costello and The Cars. That was a huge deal back then. But by the early 80s, the "disco suck" movement and internal creative shifts changed everything.
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- The Duo Phase: Originally a four-piece, the band eventually whittled down to just Hazel Payne and Janice-Marie Johnson.
- The "Sukiyaki" Pivot: They proved they weren't one-hit wonders by releasing a stunning cover of "Sukiyaki" in 1981, which proved Hazel could handle a ballad just as well as a funk groove.
- The Split: Around 1983, the duo called it quits.
After the split, Janice-Marie Johnson kept the "A Taste of Honey" brand alive, touring with various guitarists. Because Hazel wasn't the one fronting the "official" touring version of the band for many years, casual fans assumed she had retired—or worse.
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It’s a weird phenomenon. We tend to freeze musicians in the decade they were most famous. When we don't see them on Instagram every day, our brains go to the worst-case scenario.
Hazel Payne actually transitioned into acting for a while after the music industry cooled on disco. She didn't want to just be a nostalgia act. She’s a sophisticated musician who studied her craft. If you look at her career nuances, she was one of the few women of color in the 70s who was recognized primarily as a lead guitarist. That was—and still is—a massive achievement.
The 2004 Reunion and Beyond
If you want a real "goosebumps" moment, look up the 2004 PBS special Get Down Tonight: The Disco Explosion.
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That was the first time Hazel and Janice-Marie reunited in over 20 years. They looked incredible. They sounded even better. That performance solidified that the chemistry was still there, even if they chose to live separate lives.
Since then, Hazel has stayed active in a way that suits her. She’s not chasing the Billboard Hot 100 anymore. She’s playing for the love of the music.
- Current Status: Alive and active.
- Location: Often linked to the Las Vegas music scene.
- Focus: Live performances, travel, and acting.
What You Can Do Now
If you’re a fan or just someone who respects music history, don't just take my word for it. Go back and listen to the Twice As Sweet album. It’s more than just disco; there’s some serious musicianship there.
Also, check out her official site if you want to see her recent travels. It’s a good reminder that "fame" doesn't have to be a lifelong cage. You can win your Grammys, make your mark, and then go enjoy the world on your own terms.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Watch the 2004 PBS reunion performance on YouTube to see Hazel in her element.
- Follow the band Marathon's schedule if you're ever in Nevada; you might just catch a surprise appearance.
- Revisit the deeper cuts of the A Taste of Honey discography, specifically the guitar work on "Rescue Me."
Hazel Payne isn't a ghost of the disco era. She’s a living legend who seems perfectly content letting her music do the talking while she enjoys the life she earned.