1917-2000 US
Songwriter
A.k.a. Fred Madison
Fred Mendelsohn, (May 16, 1917 – April 28, 2000) president of Savoy Records for 42 years, was the first man to ever record, promote and market black gospel music as a national company. His dedication and contributions built the historic foundation for the black gospel music industry.Mendelsohn was responsible for such historic acts as The Caravans featuring Albertina Walker, Inez Andrews, Shirley Caesar, Dorothy Norwood, Delores Washington, The Barrett Sisters, and Clara Ward.As a songwriter, he co-wrote, with Rose Marie McCoy, Brown's 1955 hit single "Don't Be Angry".