EARLY DAYS

Freddie Perren

......grew up in Englewood, NJ.

Freddie and The Mizell Brothers (Fonce and Larry) were in band together, sang in doo wop groups together, and graduated Dwight Morrow HS together in 1961.

The three friends went to Howard University. There they added tenor John Butler to their Howard-famous singing group "The Van Lords".

Freddie majored in music and received a teaching degree. He graduated in 1966 and taught in the Washington D.C. school system.

Jerry Butler's pianist/music director.

He traveled with the "Ice Man" for two years and was involved in the "Mr. Dream Merchant" recording session.

'75-'76: Grand Slam Productions Inc., Perren-Vibes Music, Bull Pen Music, Keni St. Lewis

Leaving Motown was a hard decision for Freddie to make. But longtime friend/music fan (fellow Howard alum and Fraternity brother) Larkin Arnold, offered the deal and support Freddie needed to make the move. Larkin, an attorney for Capitol Records had been newly appointed, Head of the Black Music Division. He offered two incredibly talented family music groups to Freddie; Tavares and The Sylvers. After so many years of writing and producing (with The Corporation) the amazing Jackson 5, and having just enjoyed working with the Miracles, this offer was, for Freddie, a dream come true. He had arranged for and performed with vocal groups since Junior High and he was going through withdrawals....