Carole Fredericks (1952 -2001)
SPRINGFIELD
Gospel and Blues music are brothers in song. Both genres are the issue of Negro Spirituals and both have shared worldwide popularity for more than 50 years. If Gospel music sings of the grace of God, the Blues denotes the difficulties and challenges of life. They tell the same stories of life, one from a secular and one from a spiritual point of view, but both with a genuine and often brutal honesty. There are lessons to be learned from each. Every once in a while a voice will come along that reveals the depth of the kinship between Gospel and Blues music. The late Carole Fredericks was such a voice. In 1996, Carole released the album Springfield as a testament to the intimate bond between Gospel and Blues music.
Springfield (1996) is a collection of 14 excellent tracks, with 12 containing Carole Fredericks' original lyrics. The material is mostly Gospel, blues, and R&B flavored with a dash or rock or funk thrown every now and then for extra seasoning. Ms. Fredericks was accompanied on this set by the wonderfully talented Lafayette Inspirational Ensemble of Brooklyn, NY. The musicians here are also world class and the band is tight, talented, and more than a match for every style represented here. There is even a most enjoyable duet featuring Ms. Fredericks and her famous brother Taj Mahal.
There is so much fabulous music on this album and at the center of it all is the incredible voice, energy, and spirit that was and always will be Carole Fredericks. Having grown up in a household where my late Father loved Mahalia Jackson, I found myself spellbound by this recording. Like Mahalia Jackson, Albertina Walker, and other great gospel singers of that era, Carole Fredericks’ music spoke deeply to me and stirred many emotions, memories, both good and bad. These are real songs about real life; songs of faith, of struggles, of love and joy, and ultimately of victory.
If I were to point you to one track it would be the original song Change. Change seems to be an accurate representation of what Carole Fredericks was, is, and will always be: powerful, emotional vocals. Carole presents a very personal story of the battles of life being overcome by grace and redemption, faith and hope – gifts that are available to all of mankind.
On June 7, 2001 Carole Fredericks and her tremendous talent left this world. Her spirit lives on through the songs of Springfield. The Spirit that was within her remains today calling anyone who will listen to the same life of peace, hope, and infectious joy that characterized Ms. Fredericks' brief time here. If you are a fan of gospel or blues vocals, you will want to own a copy of Springfield.
Tom Branson, Bluesrocker Online Review
Carole lived in France for 22 years. A generous woman, Ms. Fredericks donated her time and talent to humanitarian causes including Les Enfoiré, Les restos du Coeur, Amnesty International, Voix de l'Espoir, and International Women's Day. Tragically, after performing a benefit concert to raise funds for a children's cardiac unit in Dakar Senegal, Carole Fredericks fell ill and passed away on June 7, 2001. On June 18, 2001, the African American chanteuse, Carole Denise Fredericks, was laid to rest in historic Montmartre Cemetery in Paris, France. She was 49 years old.
Carole Fredericks remains a music icon in France, Europe and Africa. Her family and friends hope that American audiences will also appreciate her music. The music of Carole Fredericks can be heard on BBC Radio, XM Satellite Radio, Sirius Satellite Radio, MySpace.com and in French classes around the world.