On Saturday May 18th, the city of Philly will celebrate one of its most beloved and soulful artists, Frankie Beverly. Councilperson Cindy Bass, Philadelphia City Council, and Maze Management have joined forces to pay tribute to the living legend by naming a street after Beverly in the very East Germantown neighborhood in which he grew up. The event is scheduled for noon on North Norwood Street, right between Church Lane and West Godfrey.
Over the course of his long career, Beverly made classics such as “Joy and Pain” and “We Are One” with his band Maze. Listen again to his biggest hit, “Before I Let Go,” with it’s iconic opening “woah-oh,” irresistibly danceable beat, and smooth funk guitar. Instantly, the song transports you to visions of summer and celebration, with its enduring groove perfectly backing Beverly’s powerhouse vocals. For longtime local radio host Patty Jackson, it is “the unofficial Black National Anthem.” In a press release for the event, she added that “Frankie Beverly is the Music…the Culture…the fabric of our lives. He is Philly!”
Celebrated journalist and activist Dyana Williams concurs he “is one of the preeminent, clarion voices in the royal court of Black music.” She continues: “For decades, the Philadelphia native has been a global ambassador of Black culture, sharing via his lyrics and music the intricacies of the ‘joy and pain’ of living!” Jackson and Williams will both be spokespeople for this can’t-miss celebration.
Beverly is also currently embarking on his farewell tour, with El DeBarge and Chaka Khan joining him. The show comes to Philly’s Dell Music Center on July 6th.