Remembering Frankie Beverly: A Ministry of Good Music
Like so many others, I was saddened to learn of the passing of music icon Frankie Beverly—front man and bandleader for the R&B/funk group Maze. I just took for granted he would always be here. For decades his music presence was ubiquitous. Singing and dancing to Frankie Beverly and Maze songs “Before I Let Go” and “Joy and Pain” were integral parts of happy, joyous gatherings in our communities. It’s almost like a tribal thing; a sweet, communal spirit.
Frankie Beverly’s story is quite typical of many Black, popular music artists born in mid-20th century America. A PK (preacher’s kid), his father was an ordained minister and his mother, the church choir director. He grew up singing and playing music in the church. Music legend Marvin Gaye, another son of a preacher, discovered and nurtured Frankie Beverly’s talents. And the rest is history!
What’s most interesting about this artist’s career trajectory is that he never won a Grammy Award® nor ever had a “crossover” hit. Of Frankie Beverly, it could truly be said that he was a man of the people! His music ministered to the souls of Black folk —Happy Feelin’s!
The Challenge
Today, we are challenged as a community to discover and nurture life-affirming music and talent and see to the positive growth and continuity of the people. Are there many future Frankie Beverly-like artists and bands on the horizon—artists dedicated to community-building ideals of positive change?
Cultural literacy and music appreciation are essential ingredients to lasting progress. Culturally, we would be wise to build upon what has already been established. Cultural literacy (The African American Cultural Narrative) and music appreciation should be taught in the home, schools, faith, and community institutions. It’s all about taking the very best of that which we already have and building upon it!
This is not about fashion or trends. Just because something is old, it should not be despised. Nor because a thing is new or novel, should it be unconditionally embraced. It takes knowledge and wisdom to interpret value.
Ultimately, we the people must assume full and complete responsibility for the future of Black music in America! After all, the progress of our children and the integrity of our African American culture, values, and traditions mean everything—Positive Music Matters!
We Are One
A very special thank you to the Baptist Minister’s Conference of Greater NY and Vicinity, NYC’s oldest and largest clergy leadership organization (founded in 1898). The Positive Community was recently honored at Convent Avenue Baptist Church in Harlem for 25 years of “loving service” and for our enduring partnership. We are deeply grateful and humbled to accept the full embrace of such an important institution.
We are proud to represent the best interests of our communities in media and in the marketplace! Also, thank you to General Baptist Convention of NJ (founded in 1902) for enthusiastically agreeing to distribute the online magazine among its leaders and membership, statewide. On behalf of our media company, we appreciate everyone’s advocacy and support.
It is also noteworthy to acknowledge that the theme for TPC’s sold-out, Great American Emancipation Day Awards Banquet in February ’24 was inspired by the Frankie Beverly classic, “We Are One (and that’s the way it is).”
