Tuesday, December 10, 2024 was a sad day for me. Legend R& B singer, Frankie Beverly passed away at the age of 77 years old. I had to pay tribute to the man who brought much joy to individuals around the world with his music.

Frankie was born Howard Stanley was an American singer, songwriter, and producer known primarily for his recordings with the soul and funk band Maze. He formed Maze, originally called Raw Soul, in his hometown of Philadelphia in 1970. After moving to San Francisco and an introduction to Marvin Gaye, Maze later released nine Gold albums and created a large and devoted following.
Frankie’s music was about love, life, and the human experience, and was known for its authenticity, emotional depth, and wholesome messages. It was meant to be motivational.

Hit after hit, Frankie’s music was electrifying and played on rotation on radio stations, at picnics, family gatherings, in dorms, clubs, schools, halftime performances and more. One of my favorite songs is “Happy Feelings”. The very first time, I heard this song, it was therapeutic. The melody gave me uplifting feelings. The song made the sun to shine regardless of the sky being blue.

This has been a challenging year. Individuals in our society are moaning and groaning in pain filled with anxiousness, chaos, fear, and uncertainly especially after the 2024 presidential election results. Music has been proven to help us move pass challenging situations. It has benefits that help us to heal, focus, create, cleanse, energize, and relax.

Music is an ancient tool of healing that was recognized in the writings of the Greek philosophers (Pythagoras, Aristotle and Plato). It is a universal language. It wallpapers our consciousness and permeates the background in offices, stores, restaurants, film, health clubs, waiting room and airplanes. It has a strong psychological impact. Different types of music can significantly impact a person’s mood, helping them delve deeper into their consciousness to process a wide range of emotions. There is research-backed science behind the effect music and music therapy have on us.

Studies have demonstrated that music impacts numerous parts of the brain, including those involved in emotion, cognition, sensory, and movement. In fact, music therapy for mental health has been utilized as a therapeutic aid for millennia. Music therapy is successful in treating a wide range of physical and mental ailments, including depression, anxiety, and hypertension.

Another favorite song from Frankie Beverly and Maze is “Before I Let Go”. This song is a soulful ballad about a romantic relationship that has reached a crossroads. I become energize when I hear this song which is upbeat and lively, with a blend of soulful grooves and fun.

The comments about his death were not surprising and read:
Frankie Beverly and Maze are a pure ICON...G.O.A.T. Frankie Beverly & Maze Should Absolutely be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Frankie's Music is Phenomenal. He is way overdue for his flowers and accolades. Put this Group in the Hall of Fame! He planted hope alive in our hearts. Frankie was one of a kind and his music is the best.

Frankie closed out the Essence festival in New Orleans (NO) for decades as the last act on the Congo Square Stage at Jazz Festival. The people in NO like many cities around the US loved Frankie Beverly. There was a special connection with the music of Frankie Beverly, and NO. Therefore, the 6 Ward Steppers gave him a sendoff for a king. It was heartwarming to see. Frankie will forever live in our hearts.

Author's Bio: 

Dr. Sonara was born and raised in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. After High School, she went onto college and graduated with a B.S. Degree in Human Ecology and a M.S. Degree in Psychology from Cameron University in Lawton, OK. She has certifications in Postponing Sexual Involvement, Microsoft Digital Literacy, True Colors, P.S. MAPP and Toastmasters International. Dr. Sonara also has a lifetime Adult teaching credential. Sonara is a former School Administrator with John Muir Charter School. Dr. Sonara completed her PhD in Expressive Arts Therapy (Psychology) at International University for Professional Studies. She has a certificate as a Holistic Lifestyle Advocate from the Living Lotus Foundation. She has written articles which can be viewed at View My Articles (selfgrowth.com)

Dr. Sonara is also the owner of SCB Consulting, which specializes in using Music as Medicine. Her focus is to empower individuals through personally and professionally through the arts for creative expressions. A partial list of the organizations Dr. Sonara has worked with include: Health & Human Services Agency, the U.S. Department of Education, Department of Labor, Long Beach Job Corps, Hawaii Pacific University, LA Care Health Plan, Lawton Public School, the Mayor Commission on the Status of Women, San Diego Youth Involvement, Fremont College and Langston University. She is also a Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the California Department of Rehabilitation and a member of the African American Task Force.

Dr. Sonara is a Humanitarian known for her acts of kindness and grassroots efforts. She has a big heart for children and believes in putting action behind her words. In 2001 she founded a Men's Reading program at William McGill School of Success in San Diego. The Reading program is still in existence today and is a success. From 2004 to 2009, Dr. Sonara conducted annual workshops for the California Legislature at the Statewide Community Renewal Summit, a blue print for rebuilding communities.

Dr. Sonara understands the importance of being active in the community. She is a on the Board of Directors for San Diego Coalition for the Homeless since 1998. She plays Mrs. Santa at the annual Holiday Magic for Kids where toys, clothing, food and bikes are given to 5,000-7,000 needy children and families throughout San Diego County. She is also a former board member for Adoption Information Center. Dr. Sonara is a Diamond Life member with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. She serves as an advisor to the AFSCME 2620 Union President and a Consultant for the Steven Williams Foundation.

Dr. Sonara counseled survivors affected by 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing. This impacted her life. The need to help individuals express their feelings after a traumatic event is what encouraged Dr. Sonara to pursue a PhD in Expressive Arts Therapy, a holistic approach to Personal Wellbeing.

She created a National Healing Music Project which was sent to the Obama Administration. She served on the Oklahoma Mayor’s Commission for the Status of Women. Dr. Sonara has received countless awards for her contributions to the community including “Sonara Day in San Diego” in August 2005 proclaimed by the San Diego City Council, Outstanding Citizen by Assembly member Shirley Horton and Citizen of the month by Congressman Bob Filner. She was named Member of the Month in 2013 by Toastmaster’s International, just to name a few.

Dr. Sonara is working on a book titled, “the Healing Power of Music”. She resides in Los Angeles and has two college children, Drunell II and Drunara.
Dr. Sonara lives by the philosophy that, “the more we invest now into the lives of others, the less we’ll be required to pay later”.