Posted on: Thursday, August 8, 2002

Services for singer Payne tomorrow

Advertiser Staff

Simon Alfred "Pico" Payne, 76, the Honolulu entertainer who sang with the Ink Spots, the Platters and the Drifters, will be buried with services at 1 p.m. tomorrow at the Hawai'i State Veterans Cemetery.

Payne, who died July 26, was born in Baltimore.

The Ink Spots were a popular vocal group in the 1940s. The song "If I Didn't Care" brought the group international fame.

Payne could harmonize any part and had a range that hit low bass notes and soared to descant soprano.

He was also a longtime performer and karaoke operator at the Banana Patch Lounge in the Waikiki Miramar Hotel.

He is survived by wife, Carlatta Long; sons, Anthony, Adrian and Travis; and daughter, Sarah.

Arrangements by Mililani Downtown Mortuary.