Freddie Gorman

Best known for his stint with Motown quartet The Originals, Freddie Gorman was also a vital if unsung component of the label's formative development, co-writing its first number one pop hit, The Marvelettes' "Please Mr. Postman." Born in Detroit on April 11, 1939, Gorman developed his potent bass harmonizing on local street corners, and was still in high school when he made his recorded debut on the Qualitones' 1955 Josie Records single "Tears of Love." Two years later Gorman and longtime friend Brian Holland formed the Fideletones. After issuing "Pretty Girl" on Aladdin Records in 1959, the group splintered and Gorman resumed his day job as a postal carrier, eventually meeting fledgling record impresario Berry Gordy while on his route. In time Gordy hired Holland as a staff writer and producer, teaming him with fellow producer Robert Bateman to cut a single for the Motown girl group The Marvelettes. When Marvelette Georgia Dobbins suggested the title "Please Mr. Postman," Holland naturally conscripted Gorman for help with the lyrics, although his contributions to the song went unnoted for decades. "Please Mr. Postman" was nevertheless a huge hit, topping the Billboard pop charts in the fall of 1961, and Gordy returned the favor by releasing the Gorman solo single "The Day Will Come" on Motown's Miracle Records subsidiary. Holland and Gorman also continued their songwriting partnership, which expanded to a triumvirate with the addition of Lamont Dozier. After a series of Motown productions including Mary Wells' "Old Love" and The Supremes' "I Want a Guy," Gorman was edged out in favor of Holland's brother Eddie, and without any contractual leverage in his favor, he returned to his post office position, dropping from sight for several years.

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