Meet Fred Dawson
Inspirational & Empowerment Author
Fred Dawson is a writer, musician, businessman, speaker and community leader. The author of three volumes of “Pearls: Women Who Radiate Success,” Fred celebrates successful women who have found contentment after years of work, struggle or discrimination. Every story is different because every “Pearl” is different.
About Pearls
The books are illustrative of Fred’s commitment to helping women succeed. He donates 100 percent of their proceeds to the Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation, a nonprofit that awards scholarships to women who desire to transform their lives through education but lack the means to do so.
Fred’s mother, Marguerite June Dawson, was the most influential person in his life. For 25 years, she worked tirelessly on an automobile assembly line by day and cared for her family by night. Her extraordinary work ethic and courage rubbed off on Fred and his two brothers. Fiercely determined, she succeeded on her terms, a choice so inspirational that Fred made it his mission to help the world see women as they deserved to be seen; validation his mother never had.
Organizations
Fred is a member of several professional organizations and active in multiple community efforts. He has served and financially supported countless nonprofits, including The Christina Educational Enrichment Fund, Great Dames, Newark Morning Rotary, The Grand Opera House, The First Presbyterian Church of Newark, as well as the aforementioned Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation.
Fred’s Music
As if that weren’t enough, Fred has serious musical chops, versed in tenor sax and keyboards, though his Hammond B3 is by far his instrument of choice. He has performed with the likes of Micky Dolenz (of The Monkees) Spencer Davis (Spencer Davis Group), drummer Liberty Devito and sax player Mark Rivera (Billy Joel band), Mark Farner (former Grand Funk Railroad legend), Felix Cavaliere (The Rascals), and The Late Show with David Letterman Horns. He realized his lifelong dream when he performed in two concerts with his sax hero, Boots Randolph, at the Grand Opera House in Wilmington, Delaware. Many nonprofits have benefited from his talents, even the Wilmington Blue Rocks baseball team, for which Fred opened with the National Anthem.
In 2002, Fred started the ‘60s and ‘70s classic rock band, Club Phred, which won numerous awards since its first public performance in 2004. While known for club and concert gigs, Club Phred is also a charitable endeavor, having raised more than $5,000,000 for 43 nonprofit organizations, and counting.
Fred’s Family
Fred, his wife, Louise, and their dog Daphne live in Hockessin, Delaware, and are blessed with two adult children and five grandchildren. Before the couple built their home in 1999, their individual design goals included a modest dining room (Louise), and a music room attached to a garage (Fred). They both got what they wanted, and Louise (known as Weeze), also scored and now lovingly nurtures her “Garden of Understanding.” Something is always in bloom. Weeze, dubbed the hostess with the mostess by anyone welcomed in the Dawson home, brings a spark to every occasion, including Fred’s star-studded, private parties in his Music Room.
The Brandywine Region Antique Automobile Club
Fred served as past president of The Brandywine Region Antique Automobile Club (BRAACA). Antique cars bring him joy and can be found in Fred’s garage at any given time accompanied by a red Corvette.
Interested In Connecting With Fred?
For interviews, speaking engagements, or to learn more about Fred’s business and community work, click below.