Freddie Gorman facts for kids

Freddie Gorman (born Frederick Cortez Gorman, April 11, 1939 – June 13, 2006) was an American musician. He was also a record producer. He became famous as a singer and songwriter for the Motown music label. This was mainly in the late 1960s and mid-1970s.

Freddie Gorman was from Detroit, Michigan. He was a member of the Motown group called The Originals. He also played a very important role in the early days of Motown. He helped write "Please Mr. Postman". This song was the first #1 pop hit for the label. It was sung by the Marvelettes. In 1964, the Beatles released their own version of the song. Then, in 1975, the Carpenters made it a #1 hit again. This was only the second time in pop history that a song reached #1 twice in the US. In 2006, "Please Mr. Postman" was added to the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Freddie Gorman's Life and Music Career

Early Years and Music Beginnings

Freddie Gorman was born in Detroit on April 11, 1939. He learned to sing bass harmonies on the streets of his hometown. He was still in high school when he first recorded music. This was in 1955 with a group called the Qualitones. Two years later, Freddie and his friends Brian Holland and Sonny Sanders formed a group called the Fideletones. After releasing a song in 1959, the group broke up. Freddie then went back to his job as a mail carrier.

Working as a Songwriter for Motown

Freddie Gorman met Berry Gordy, who was starting the Motown record label. They met while Freddie was on his mail route. Soon, Gordy hired Brian Holland as a writer and producer. Holland then asked Freddie to help write lyrics for a song. This song was for a Motown girl group called the Marvelettes. The song was "Please Mr. Postman." Freddie's help with the lyrics was not officially noted for many years.

"Please Mr. Postman" became a huge hit. It reached the top of the Billboard pop chart in 1961. After this success, Berry Gordy released a solo song by Freddie. It was called "The Day Will Come." Freddie also continued to write songs with Brian Holland. They even worked with Berry Gordy on The Supremes' first song, "I Want a Guy." Later, Lamont Dozier joined them, forming the Holland–Dozier–Gorman songwriting team. This team wrote songs for many Motown artists. These included Mary Wells and Smokey Robinson & the Miracles. Eventually, Freddie was replaced by Brian Holland's brother, Edward. Freddie did not have a contract, so he went back to his post office job. However, Freddie and Edward still wrote a song together for Martha Reeves & the Vandellas. It was called "There He Is (At My Door)."

Success with Golden World Records

After leaving Motown, Freddie Gorman found success again in 1964. He wrote another top 10 pop hit. This time, it was for Motown's rival, Golden World Records. The song was "(Just Like) Romeo and Juliet" by The Reflections. Freddie also released some solo songs on Golden World's sister label, Ric-Tic.

Joining The Originals at Motown

When Berry Gordy bought Golden World Records, Freddie Gorman returned to Motown. In 1966, he joined a new vocal group called The Originals. The group included C. P. Spencer, Hank Dixon, and Walter Gaines. Another member, Joe Stubbs, left early to start a solo career.

For the next two years, The Originals sang background vocals for many famous artists. These included Jimmy Ruffin, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye. Marvin Gaye later wrote two hit songs for The Originals. These were "Baby I'm for Real" and "The Bells." "Baby I'm for Real" topped the R&B chart. "The Bells" also did very well in 1970.

Later Years and Group Changes

In 1976, The Originals had a disco hit called "Down to Love Town." This was the first 12-inch single released by Motown. The group continued to tour and record for smaller labels for many years.

In 1997, Freddie's son, Dillon F. Gorman, wrote and produced a solo album for his father. It was called It's All About Love.

The Originals: Changes and Legacy

Over the years, some members of The Originals passed away. Ty Hunter died in 1981. Joe Stubbs died in 1998. C.P. Spencer died in 2004. Freddie Gorman himself died on June 13, 2006, at age 67. He passed away from lung cancer. Walter Gaines died in 2012. Hank Dixon is now the only original member still alive and performing.

The Originals Continue

After Freddie Gorman's death in 2006, Hank Dixon and his daughter Terrie Dixon reformed The Originals. They now perform live with Freddie's son, Dillon F. Gorman. Defrantz Forrest, son of Gene Chandler, also joined the group.

See also

• List of number-one dance hits (United States)
• List of artists who reached number one on the US Dance chart