8 Artists That Can Properly Honor Frankie Beverly In A Posthumous Tribute
Despite Frankie Beverly‘s sudden departure earlier this month, the acclaimed crooner definitely received his flowers while he could still smell them.
Back in 2012, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the BET Awards with a fitting tribute featuring Joe, Tyrese, and Faith Evans. In his acceptance speech, he took the stage with his grandchildren. “God is good, y’all. If we could just learn how to wait on the man a little bit, you know, instead of asking him all the time. If you can wait on him, he can show you some things,” Beverly expressed.
He gushed about having a then-four decade long career — teasing the younger generation about how they weren’t even born — but still, Beverly was grateful for such a storied career in music and entertainment. “I just want to say to anybody pursuing this thing—get in it and do what you want to do. Don’t fall for the flavor of the week, baby. If you want to sing, sing. Sing what you wanna sing. Play your music, no matter what it is,” the Philly native continued.
@bet Frankie Beverly made us happy and reminded us that we are one. His voice played when we were joyful and got us through moments of pain. His work with his band Maze will never be forgotten; they are integrated into our lives forever. We’ll be donning all-white fits for a while in his honor. #BETRemembers
♬ original sound – BET Networks
Earlier this year, Beverly announced he was retiring and embarked on a farewell tour. He was also honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 NAACP Image Awards and was recognized with a special tribute at this year’s ESSENCE Fest, curated by Bryan-Michael Cox. It included talent such as Luke James, Anthony Hamilton, Bilal, Jagged Edge, Serayah, Lil Mo, Doug E. Fresh, and the new lead singer of Maze, Tony Lindsay.
We feel one more tribute is due now that the cherished singer-songwriter has gained his wings. So, we compiled a list of suitable contenders for a one-night only TV special honoring the vast legacy of Frankie Beverly using artists from across the generational spectrum.
Dive in with an open mind below.
Jazmine Sullivan – “Joy And Pain”
Image Credit: Amy Sussman/Getty Images
There needs to be at least one fellow Philly native on this tribute list to honor the fallen legend. Who better than Jazmine THEE Sullivan?
With her hypnotizing register and having already mastered the balance of joy and pain, she can easily put her own spin on the record of the same name— easing more into the joyous nature of the classic record though, because there can never be enough of that.
Alex Isley – “While I’m Alone”
Image Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
For Juneteenth 2022, Isley covered Beverly’s “We Are One” for Apple Music’s Freedom Songs programming. She made the record her own with the help of her dreamy yet soulful tone and even did it again recently when she put her twang on what she said was her “favorite Frankie Beverly & Maze joint,” “While I’m Alone.”
That cemented our desire to see the singer take this to the stage—maybe even with Lalah Hathaway. With Hathaway’s sweet pocket being in her lower register, paired that with Isley’s falsetto, this could be one duet for the ages.
Aneesa Strings – “Golden Time Of Day”
Image Credit: Brandon Hicks
Aneesa Strings is a phenomenal singer and musician who has us hooked on her recent cover of Beverly’s “Golden Time Of Day.”
The skilled bass player considered the jam to be “one of my favorites by him, for the bass line, his voice and most of all the message” as he praises subtle moments in life and urges listeners to romanticize it as we do with the “golden time of day.”
“At the end of the day/ When the wind is soft and warm/ Ooh, it makes the flowers sway/ When the sun settles down/ And it takes a lovely form/ That’s the golden time of day,” Beverly sings. There aren’t many artists doing it like Aneesa, so why not have this budding star shine bright while honoring one of the greatest of all time?
Kenyon Dixon, Tyrese – “Happy Feelin’s”
Image Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images; Amy Sussman/Getty Images
To honor Beverly after his passing, Dixon dropped a chilling, a cappella cover of “We Are One.” It was drastically different than the original and utterly heart wrenching. Yet, for a celebration of life tribute, we’d like to see the happier side of the fervent R&B singer. What better way to do so than with a cover of “Happy Feelin’s?”
We also feel this can be a joint effort with Tyrese to bridge a generational gap, especially since he paid tribute to Beverly in 2012 during his Lifetime Achievement Award tribute at the BET Awards. Back then, he tackled “Joy & Pain.”
DIXSON – “Southern Girl”
Image Credit: Cindy Ord/Getty Images for amfAR
We didn’t select DIXSON for “Southern Girl” just because he is a thoroughbred Atlanta native. We also felt he was best to sing this groovy song because he can have fun with it.
The thing about the Oscar nominee is that he makes such distinct choices that pair so exceptionally well with his impressive vocal range. Don’t believe us? Just listen to “KREAM,” “FRIENDS,” and “Slow Dance“— for starters.
Beyoncé – “We Are One”
Image Credit: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Coachella
Could Bey easily do a “Before I Let Go” medley of her and Beverly’s respective records? Yes, but walk with us.
The opening of “We Are One” is instrumental where the singer can address the audience and speak to what Beverly and his legacy mean to her—something she loves to do. As her poetic prowess takes over, she can hum ad-libs before gliding into the lyrics and inviting the crowd to sing-along once the chorus hits.
Usher – “Before I Let Go”
Image Credit: Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Live Nation
The obvious choice would be Beyoncé because of her reimagined cover of “Before I Let Go,” but we feel Ursher would be better suited to lead this soul train line.
Though the crooner recently paid tribute to Beverly with his own rendition of “Happy Feelin’s” during his Past Present Future tour, we feel for a more formal tribute, he’s more suited for this universal cookout closer.
Usher is an instant crowd pleaser and with his captivating stage presence paired with his suave dance moves, he would bring the house down from the very first note: “Whoa, whoaaaaaa…ohhhh…”
