The music of R&B/Soul legend Frankie Beverly, founder of the band Maze has served as the soundtrack of Black culture for decades. The brilliance of Beyonce’ lent her voice to the remake of Frankie’s classic hit, “Before I Let Go,” thus introducing his music to younger audiences globally. In light of the many rumors being said in the media by former group members that make up the TMF Band, Frankie Beverly and Maze have been imitated but will never be duplicated. No group or band is replacing Frankie Beverly. Frankie Beverly and Maze have appearances this summer throughout 2023 in Atlanta, Detroit, Hammond, Indiana and Grand Prairie, Texas. Global tour dates will be announced in September 2023. Says Frankie Beverly, “I am still here.”
A celebration of good times and great honors took place on July 1 for Grammy legends Kool & the Gang as the city of Youngstown, Ohio, unveiled the very first star saluting the funk greats on the Youngstown Walk of Fame. Band co-founder /leader Robert “Kool” Bell and his younger brother, the late Ronald Khalis Bayyan Bell are Youngstown natives who moved to New Jersey, in 1960. The Bell brothers formed their first band, the Jazziacs, four years later – which later became Kool & the Gang in 1968. Robert “Kool” Bell attended the unveiling of the star with current members of Kool & the Gang as well as family.
Speaking of Walks of Fame, Leon and Michael Spinks were inducted into the St. Louis Walk of Fame on June 26. In Montreal, Canada, in 1976, the Spinks brothers became the only siblings to win gold medals on the same Olympic team. In only his eighth fight, Leon beat Muhammad Ali for the heavyweight championship in one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. Michael is the only undisputed and undefeated light heavyweight champion, and he is the first reigning light heavyweight champion to become heavyweight champion when he beat Larry Holmes in 1985, as well as in a rematch. He retired in 1988 after losing to Mike Tyson with a record of 31 wins, 21 knockouts and 1 loss. Michael was in St. Louis to accept his star, while Leon’s widow Brenda Spinks and his son 5-time champion Cory Spinks accepted for him.
Netflix recently announced its “Strong Black Summer” slate that includes must-watch films and series from rom-com, thriller and comedy with storytelling that covers the Black influence. “The Perfect Find” starring Gabrielle Union and Keith Powers is now streaming on Netflix. The movie revolves around Jenna (Union) returning to New York to resurrect her fashion career. But her comeback attempt gets complicated when she falls for her charming, much younger co -worker Eric (Powers). “The Perfect Find” also stars Gina Torres, Aisha Hinds, DB Woodside, Janet Hubert and Alani “La La” Anthony.
