Late Black music icon and Maze frontman Frankie Beverly legacy lives on through artist Mike Clark Jr., as they release Beverly’s first posthumous track since his passing in 2024 with “Joy And Pain.” Frankie Beverly, who is best known for timeless classics such as “Before I Let Go,” passed away on September 10, 2024, at 77.
Originally recorded by Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, “Joy and Pain” remains one of the group’s signature soul recordings. Clark Jr. brings his own youthful perspective to the song while preserving the traditional soul influences that helped establish Beverly as one of Black music’s most enduring voices.
Known for his dedication to Southern soul and his passion for “Feel Good Music,” Clark Jr. hopes to connect longtime Maze fans with younger audiences through the reimagined recording.
Beverly, born Howard Stanley Beverly in Philadelphia on Dec. 6, 1946, spent more than five decades building a musical legacy rooted in soulful vocals, infectious grooves and communal celebration. His catalog, including “Happy Feelin’s” and “Joy and Pain,” became a staple at cookouts, family reunions and gatherings throughout Black America.
Black Music Icon Frankie Beverly’s First Posthumous Song Released In Mike Clark Jr.’s “Joy And Pain”
His influence extended beyond the recording studio. Beverly’s signature all-white concert attire and Maze’s celebrated live performances made him a cultural institution. Questlove previously described “Before I Let Go” as “the national anthem of life,” reflecting the song’s lasting place in Black celebrations.
In May 2024, Philadelphia honored Beverly by renaming a street in his childhood neighborhood Frankie Beverly Way. Black Music Month co-founder Dyana Williams, who spearheaded the initiative, said, “We can’t let the elders, those who pave the path for any and every artist that exists now go unrecognized.”
Now, Clark Jr.’s rendition of “Joy and Pain” offers another opportunity to celebrate Beverly’s enduring impact. “Joy And Pain” keeping the late singer’s musical spirit alive for generations to come.