The song “Please Mister Postman” is a beloved classic that has topped charts across generations, from its Motown debut to its 1970s resurgence. However, behind this seemingly simple plea for a letter lies a complex and intriguing history of songwriting credits, leaving many to wonder: who truly wrote the “Mr Postman Song”? A glance at various records only deepens the mystery. The original Marvelettes hit credits “Dobbins / Garrett / Brianbert,” while The Beatles‘ rendition lists “Holland.” The Songwriters Hall Of Fame points to “Holland / Bateman / Gorman,” and even the authoritative Beatles discography book, “All Together Now,” includes Motown’s founder Berry Gordy as a co-author. To understand this confusion, we need to delve into the fascinating journey of how “Please Mister Postman” came to be.
The Marvelettes and the Motown Audition
The story begins in Inkster, Michigan, with The Marvels, a group of five high school friends: Georgia Dobbins, Gladys Horton, Georgeanna Tillman, Juanita Cowart, and Katherine Anderson. In early 1961, they secured a pivotal audition at Hitsville, USA, the legendary headquarters of Motown Records and its Tamla label. While their performance impressed Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson, they were given a challenge: return with an original song.
Taking on this task, Georgia Dobbins became the driving force behind creating that original material. She turned to a blues song fragment by her friend William Garrett. Garrett had penned lyrics for a song titled “Please Mr. Postman” but lacked a melody. Dobbins obtained his permission to rework it, tailoring it for a girl group performance. Garrett agreed, with the condition that he receive songwriting credit. Georgia Dobbins retained only the title and transformed the song into a heartfelt message longing for a letter from a boyfriend. This marked a crucial step in the evolution of the “mr postman song.”
From “Marvels” to “Marvelettes” and Song Refinement
Armed with their new song, the group returned for a second audition and successfully passed. Berry Gordy, however, felt their name, The Marvels, was too plain. He rechristened them The Marvelettes. Gordy also believed “Please Mr. Postman” needed further polish. To refine the song, he enlisted the songwriting and production team of Brian Holland and Robert Bateman, known collectively as “Brianbert.” Brian Holland also brought in another collaborator, Freddie Gorman, a Detroit postman in real life, to add the final touches. Gorman’s unique perspective as a postman surely lent an authentic feel to the lyrics about waiting for mail.
Chart-Topping Success and Lineup Changes
When The Marvelettes arrived at the studio to record “Please Mr. Postman,” produced by “Brianbert,” a key figure was absent: Georgia Dobbins. Influenced by her father’s disapproval of nightclub singing, Dobbins left the group and was replaced by Wanda Young. Although Gladys Horton took over as lead vocalist for “Please Mr. Postman,” Georgia Dobbins rightfully remained credited as a co-author. The song’s release was a resounding success, spending a week at #1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the R&B charts in December 1961, cementing its place as a defining “mr postman song” in music history. Sadly, Georgia Dobbins, undeniably a primary architect of the song, passed away on September 18th, 2020.
The Marvelettes’ Legacy Beyond “Postman”
Following the phenomenal success of “Please Mr. Postman,” The Marvelettes released “Twistin’ Postman,” a single that attempted to capitalize on their initial hit and the twist dance craze but didn’t quite reach the same heights. However, they continued to enjoy chart success with hits like “Playboy,” “Beachwood 4-5789,” “Too Many Fish In The Sea,” and “Don’t Mess With Bill.” Despite personnel changes over the years, The Marvelettes remained active until 1970, disbanding after Motown relocated to Los Angeles and effectively left them behind.
“Brianbert” and the Evolution to Holland-Dozier-Holland
Brian Holland and Robert Bateman, “Brianbert,” were significant figures in Motown’s early days, joining in 1961 as songwriters, producers, and engineers. Both had been members of The Satintones, an early Motown vocal group, and Holland had even released a solo single as Bryant Holland in 1958. “Please Mr. Postman” marked their breakthrough as co-writers and co-producers, launching their careers into the spotlight.
Robert Bateman departed Motown in 1962, and tragically passed away from a heart attack on October 12th, 2016. Brian Holland continued his songwriting journey, partnering with Lamont Dozier and initially with Freddie Gorman. In 1963, Freddie Gorman was replaced by Brian’s older brother, Eddie Holland, giving rise to the legendary Holland / Dozier / Holland songwriting powerhouse.
This trio became responsible for an incredible string of Motown hits, including 25 #1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100. Their remarkable catalog features classics like “(Love Is Like A) Heatwave,” “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You),” “Where Did Our Love Go,” “Stop! In The Name Of Love,” “Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch (I Can’t Help Myself),” “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” “You Keep My Hangin’ On,” and countless others.
Freddie Gorman’s Musical Journey
Freddie Gorman, beyond his post office job and songwriting contribution to “mr postman song,” had a notable music career. He was a singer in 1950s R&B groups like The Qualitones and The Fideletones. His most significant success came with The Originals, a vocal group that recorded for Motown’s Soul Records in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Formed in 1966, The Originals provided background vocals on Motown hits like “What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted” and “For Once In My Life.” Under Marvin Gaye’s guidance, they achieved their own R&B chart success. Their single “Baby I’m For Real” reached #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 (#1 R&B) in 1969, and “The Bells” climbed to #12 (#2 R&B), selling over a million copies. Even in the disco era, they scored a #1 Dance hit with “Down To Love Town.” The Originals continued recording and performing until their breakup in 1982. Freddie Gorman passed away on June 13th, 2006.
“Mr. Postman Song”‘s Second Life with The Carpenters
“Please Mister Postman”‘s enduring appeal is further evidenced by its resurgence in 1975. The Carpenters‘ remake of the song propelled it to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 once again, 14 years after its original chart-topping run. This cover became their third of three #1 hits. However, songwriting credits on The Carpenters’ release shifted to “Holland / Gorman / Bateman,” omitting Georgia Dobbins’ crucial role. Despite this, “Please Mister Postman” remains highly acclaimed, with Rolling Stone magazine ranking it at #331 on their “Top 500 Songs Of All Time,” solidifying its legacy as a timeless “mr postman song.”
In conclusion, the story of “Please Mister Postman” is a fascinating glimpse into the collaborative and sometimes complex world of songwriting, especially within the Motown machine. While the official credits may vary, the song’s journey highlights the contributions of numerous individuals, with Georgia Dobbins playing a foundational role in its creation. From its humble beginnings as a blues fragment to its multiple chart-topping incarnations, “Please Mister Postman” remains a testament to the enduring power of a catchy melody and a universally relatable theme of longing and anticipation.
