Hundreds gather for second line dedicated to Frankie Beverly

By Arielle Robinson
Contributing Writer

(VeriteNews.org) — The mood was joyful as hundreds dressed in white gathered at Hunter’s Field on last Monday (Sept. 16) to celebrate the life of R&B and soul singer Frankie Beverly, who died last week at the age of 77.

The 6th Ward Steppers hosted a farewell second line dedicated to the lead singer of Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly that drew a crowd down a stretch of North Claiborne Avenue in Treme. The singer and his band were popular in New Orleans. Their most well-known song, “Before I Let Go,” was first released as part of their “Live in New Orleans” album in 1981. Beverly’s final performance before his death was a sold-out show at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans in May.

The farewell kicked off as second-liners brought out a casket from the Hunter’s Field clubhouse, the casket’s transparent material revealing a life-size cutout of Beverly dressed in his signature all-white outfit. Dozens of people gathered around the coffin and pulled out their phones to film it being carried from the building to a van that was part of the procession.

The Big 6 Brass Band led the crowd along North Claiborne Avenue, starting the second line by playing “I’ll Fly Away.” Hundreds danced and sang while following the procession, as many more watched along the sidewalks, under bridges and in passing cars.

It started to rain, but the lively spirit carried on as parade-goers continued to dance and march until the procession reached its final destination at the Candlelight Lounge on North Robertson Street. Tiffany Robinson, who was at the second line, said Frankie Beverly meant “everything” to her.

“That’s why they’re celebrating him – this is a Monday, and Frankie’s getting a second line,” Robinson said.

Raphael Parker said that even though Beverly was from Philadelphia, New Orleans was Beverly’s second home.

“Frankie basically raised all of us out here,” Parker said. “We all came up as kids listening to Frankie, so he meant a lot to us.”

Lamar Heard, one of the trombonists who played as part of the procession, said it was meaningful to be able to perform at an event dedicated to Beverly.

“We grew up listening to [Frankie Beverly and Maze], and he’s always been a part of the musical community in our city,” Heard said.

This article originally published in the September 23, 2024 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.