Silky, Silky Soul Singer
(A tribute to Frankie Beverly) 💕
I grew up listening to Frankie Beverly & Maze
Because our father use to blast them on Sundays,
He dropped gems like 'Joy & Pain', 'Before I Let Go',
'Golden Time of Day' and 'Feel That You're Feeling',
Frankie's vocals were always on point and the sentiment stayed
In my youthful ears before they went through the ceiling!
Then landed in my heart.
I recall while we were living in Da Greens  the Frankie Beverly & Maze 'Live in New Orleans' album cover
On our coffee table and my parents preparing to get dressed
To attend their concert so I would just hover.
I love the lyrics to 'Joy & Pain' 'Where there's a flower
There's the sun and the rain, oh but it's wonderful
There both one in the same,' because they
sincerely resonated within my being.
I have placed those words in my books of poetry and
website because they are so freeing.
The legend goes that Howard Beverly named himself 'Frankie'
in homage to Frankie Lymon who was his idol.
Frankie Beverly immortalized one of his mentors Marvin Gaye
In song yeah, Frankie was generous with a title!
Further strengthening our connection to him even more,
Because Frankie Beverly was singing about love and not war!
Reminding us that 'We Are One' through anthems and
Beautiful ballads such as 'I Can't Get Over You'.
Songs like 'Southern Girl' brought a warm smile to my face
Because I knew the exact sentiment that Frankie was giving grace.
A Frankie Beverly & Maze concert was like an experience
That you will never forget.
In my lifetime I got a chance to attend
Their concerts 3 times and I have no regrets.
I was bedazzled by songs like 'I Can Tell By The Look In
Your Eyes', 'When I'm Alone', 'Back In Stride' and 'Look at California'
Because the words and melody flow through the ear drums and land
in the cerebral cortex somewhere behind the cornea!
Frankie Beverly was continuously trying to tell us that
better days are coming,
Either through his immaculate vocals or his informative and
seductive humming.
Frankie Beverly exited our earthly stage 2 years ago in September,
But his legacy lives on and he is someone that we will always remember.