New Orleans residents took to the street, decked out in all white, to honor Frankie Beverly with his own second line funeral procession. The event featured a cutout in the image of Beverly, laid out in a casket dressed in his signature whites. The 6Ward steppers and other local brass band musicians played classics like “We Are One” and “Golden Time Of Day” as thousands danced during Frankie’s celebration of life.
NEW ORLEANS SENDS FRANKIE BEVERLY OFF THE RIGHT WAY!!! WITH A SECOND LINE pic.twitter.com/KaD2YCg5v7
— CHUCKMULAWORLDWIDE (@chuckmula) September 17, 2024
A second line funeral procession is native to New Orleans culture. Often called a Jazz funeral, the procession is likened to parade that celebrates the life of the deceased.
New Orleanians aren’t the only ones memorializing Beverly. Fans across social media are getting together to celebrate and honor Beverly’s life with a virtual streaming event is being held on Facebook live. The collective event called National Whiteout For Frankie went live Sept. 20. Social media users posted pictures wearing all white outfits and singing memorable Frankie Beverly and Maze songs.
Howard Stanley Beverley, R&B icon and cultural giant, also known as Frankie Beverly passed away Sept. 10. Many Black Americans are heartbroken and grieving. At 77-years-old, Beverley boasts a 50-year career in the music industry. Beverly’s family shared the news via instagram.
“He lived his life with pure soul, as one would say, and for us, no one did it better. He lived for his music, family and friends.”
the family of maze frontman and philly legend frankie beverly have announced his passing.
he was 77. pic.twitter.com/eGl9drJQ88
— Brandon Caldwell (@_brandoc) September 11, 2024
Beverly’s career began when he became the opening act for Marvin Gaye in 1971, according to NPR. Going on to later lead the funk band Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. New Orleans, a hub of Black southern culture is host to the yearly Jazz and Essence Festival, both of which have featured Frankie Beverly and Maze throughout the decades. It’s no wonder that New Orleans chose to have their own homegoing parade for the soul legend.
Frankie Beverly was more than a singer. His contribution and presence at festivals, concerts, block parties, cookouts and family functions made him a family staple. Functions aren’t complete without at least one line-dance to “Before I Let Go,” released in 1981. When a Frankie Beverly song calls and Black folks respond in mass. Feet are compelled to move when the opening “Whooooaaah” begins. Hands flail in unison as indulge in 3 minutes and 57 seconds of synchronized joy.
Beverley commented on his ability to bring people together in an interview with NPR.
“We’ve seen nights when it was 50 and 60,000 people doing the electric slide all down there, and to be a part of it is–makes me feel very, very lucky, man,” he said
Blessed to have received his flowers while he could smell them, Beverly played the final show on his farewell tour in his hometown of Philadelphia, July 22, 2024.
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