| Freddie Perren Born: 5-15-1943 Died: 12-16-2004 ......from complications of a stroke. |
| Frederick Perren met Fonce Mizell when both were attending Howard University in Washington D.C. The two would forge a musical bond that would change not only soul music but more importantly disco music forever. Perren's talent was first utilized as part of Motown's "Corporation." The Corporation was responsible for a string of hits that helped the label in it's post Holland-Dozier-Holland era. The hits "I Want You Back," "ABC," The Love You Save," "Mama's Pearl" and others propelled The Jackson Five into history. Perren and co-horts then focused on Michael giving him his first solo smash with "Ben." Perren and The Corporation continued their work for Motown on soundtracks such as "Hell Up In Harlem" and "Cooley High." Perren then moved into the disco arena in 1976 with the hits "Do It Baby" and "Love Machine" for the Miracles. Departing from Motown in 1976 Perren was at a loss for what would be his next career move. Enter another old college pal, Larkin Arnold, was now V.P. of Capitol Records. He suggested that Perren weave his magic on the Memphis Tennessee family act, The Sylvers, much in the way he had earlier with the Gary Indiana clan The Jackson Five. The result was two gold single disco smashes, "Boogie Fever" and "Hot Line" and a top ten third single "High School Dance." While working at Capitol he scored more disco gold with the Tavares brothers and the hits "Don't Take Away The Music" and "Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel." As disco music excelled so too did Perren's career. 1978 saw him pen two hits for "Saturday Night Fever" ("More Than A Woman" and "If I Can't Have You") the most successful soundtrack ever. By now Freddie had formed his own production company MVP Productions and began signing artists to it. A move to Polydor Records that year would give him another string of successes. Beginning with Peaches & Herb's "Shake Your Groove Thing," "Reunited" and "Roller Skatin' Mate." His crowning achievement however was Gloria Gaynor's signature tune "I Will Survive." A tune that would outshine all his previous successes. As the disco-era died his career took a down turn, though he continued to be active into the 1980's, most notably with the New Edition. By the 1990's he was largely inactive in the industry and in 1993 he suffered a massive stroke. For the next eleven years he battled the complications from that stroke before passing away in December. Besides a wonderful wife, son and daughter he leaves behind a rich musical legacy that dancers around the world have enjoyed for over a quarter of a century...our hat is tipped to you Mr. Perren, thank you and God Bless you! |
 |
 |