The Frierson Family - I want to go to heaven 1979 LP

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The Frierson Family has performed for over of four decades. They began under the name The Frierson Family and later became The Frierson Singers and The Frierson Brothers. Inspired by their parents' musical education, 10 children of the family learned how to sing and formed the group Frierson Singers, receiving their first performance training by their cousin, Mattie Wilson. In school while participating in various classes, they also learned to play different instruments. Over the years several members of the group have changed.

They released a few singles in the late 60s and early 70s, receiving very good reviews from both gospel radios and the community. 

In 1979 they released an album entitled "I want to go to heaven" on Down Record Co from Cincinnati, Ohio. It was recorded at 5th Floor Recording Studio, Cincinnati, Ohio, owned by Rich Goldman and Ellie Goldman. In this studio many famous soul and funk bands have recorded like Ohio Players, Slave, Zapp, Midnight Star, Sun, Dayton.

The musicians that played in this album were J.Casper Butler on keyboards and saxophone, Ralph Lofton and Sara Frierson on keyboards, Rick Vandivier and S.Reynolds on guitars, S.Walker on bass and Curtis Sanford on percussion. Vocals by The Frierson Family. They were Calvin Frierson, Christine Frierson, Mattie Frierson, Leonard Frierson, Sarah Frierson and Albert Frierson.

I want to mention that I bought this album for the song "Jesus forever more". In fact this song is the song "Deja Vu" by Dionne Warwick. They worked upon the music of "Deja Vu" and changed the lyrics. The album was produced and arranged by J.Casper Butler and Leonard Frierson.
I have chosen two tracks entitled "Jesus forever more" and "Joy". Solo sax on "Joy" by J.Butler.

During their career, they appeared in the movie Dream Team in 1988. They also appeared in local and national television and in various gospel shows. They also participated in the United Way talent show in 1988, being contestants for first place(!). Their contribution to gospel music has been recognized by the Municipal Counsil of the city of Newark. Nowadays, they continue to exist as a group. Indeed, they recorded their first CD in Joyland Records and they still perform throughtout the United States.

Note: The above posted tracks are not played in full

This article was compiled by Souldennis and Helen Dimou.