At the age of 77, just a few months after retiring, Frankie Beverly, born Howard Beverly in Philadelphia, has passed away. That family member that you would always see at the reunion is gone.
While we mourn we’re gonna celebrate a man and his legendary band that having been apart of Black culture since 1977. Instead of just a song or their last performance at Essence Fest this year, I decided to share their concert at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans on November 15th 1980.
For the first 15 years of the Essence Festival of Culture, Maze & Frankie Beverly were the closing act on the final day. Including their 2019 appearance when they were given the Key to the City by Mayor Cantrell and this year when they received their flowers on the farewell tour, they’ve appeared on stage at the Superdome a grand total of 17 times. With this and their 1980 live album, it’s no wonder why the city called him “Uncle Frankie”.
And I’m adding my favorite song, “Golden Time of the Day.” Thank you to all the current and former members of Maze. Thank you and job well done to Frankie Beverly. 👏 🕊