Before We Let Go: Black Media Celebrates Frankie Beverly

On Tuesday (Sept. 10), the world learned that musical legend Frankie Beverly from the beloved group Frankie Beverly and Maze died at age 77.

The news immediately caused shockwaves inside and outside the music industry with everyone from fellow musicians to everyday fans expressing their sadness and fond memories of the “Golden Time of Day” singer. We’d also be remiss if we didn’t also give flowers to an artist who spanned generations and remained a staple in Black households all over the country for years and years.

Not only was Beverly one of your favorite artist’s favorite artist, his music encompassed the most positive and beautiful aspects of our culture and put them on center stage for those within it to bask in and those outside of it to finally acknowledge.

Whether people were doing the “Electric Slide” with family at the annual cookout or slow groovin’ to “Happy Feelings” with loved ones, Beverly’s contribution to music grew to be a major part of the unofficial soundtrack of Black life in America and there’s truly no replacing him.

Mya Abraham, R&B reporter at VIBE, reflected on Beverly’s infectious energy onstage and undeniable mark in the industry, telling The Root:

Frankie Beverly was such a vibrant staple in music. He left an indelible mark on R&B, soul and funk. Not only was he a joyous, one of a kind presence on stage, but that translated to real life. I met him during his farewell tour and he was such a kind man. This is such a bittersweet loss, but what a life he lived and legacy he left behind. Well done, Mr. Beverly.

MadameNoire contributing writer Shanique Yates, who described Beverly’s sound as the “foundation of Black music,” she explained that his legacy normalized a pathway for Black folks to lean into their emotions by putting poetic, lyrical prowess to our lived experience.

“He used his gifts and talents to share our experiences to sounds we can groove to. For goodness sake, “Before I Let Go” is the unofficial song to the electric slide, and it’s a song about a break-up,” she told The Root in part. “That is Frankie Beverly’s legacy. He could turn any emotion into a beautiful song to dance or sing along to.”

Esteemed music and culture journalist Kia Turner connected Beverly’s start as one of Marvin Gaye’s direct students to the creation of the blueprint for what we now consider “soul music” and opened eyes and ears to what that genre could look like.

With artists like Babyface and Tyrese following in his footsteps years later, Beverly’s legacy has yet to be fully discovered. But his impact has undoubtedly played a role in shaping the next generation of singers all while encapsulating the vastness of the everyday Black American, said Turner:

He’s been one of our best ambassadors of Black unity, love, and family. He’s always remained ours with his idea of “wholesome” music that generations of Soul music could enjoy. Songs such as ‘We Are One,’ ‘Happy Feelin’s,’ ‘Can’t Get Over You,’ and ‘Southern Girl’ easily evoke emotions heavily associated in our community with family reunions, BBQs, and birthday parties. As a Black American, you grow up defining your life experiences through the timelessness of his music.

“Frankie Beverly was the epitome of our American experience,” she concluded.

The Root sends its deepest condolences for all those who knew and loved Frankie Beverly. This loss hit deep, but we’ll continue dressing in all white and doing the electric slide in your honor. Rest well, Mr. Beverly.