It’s been long overdue but the BET Awards paid tribute to the musical legacy of Frankie Beverly & Maze Sunday during the awards show in Los Angeles. Frankie, who co-founded the soul group along with best friend, McKinley “Bug” Williams, who recently passed away, has been a constant among R & B artists over the years, recording several unforgettable albums that have stood the test of musical time. He was given the BET Lifetime Achievement Award and even treated the national TV audience to a sample of his greatness, something that believe it or not, has never happened. Maze has never performed live on national TV until Sunday’s BET Awards. Unbelievable.
Despite the loss of Williams’ presence and the departure of most of the band’s original members, Frankie Beverly continues to tour and perform for the millions of fans who sellout his concerts despite the fact that Maze hasn’t released a new album in years. Frankie’s classic “Before I Let Go” continues to be a huge party-starter and fan-favorite. The group never got the media exposure it deserved but Frankie Beverly has one the most loyal fan bases in America……to this very day. Congratulations Frankie!
Highlights of the show included Richmond native D’Angelo, who is making a comeback after several years of dealing with personal issues. He performed well, sounded great, and received a warm reception from the star-studded audience, and trust me, it was the ladies feeling that warmth. He’s Baaaaack! In fact, V-A represented well at the BET Awards with Chris Brown, who won a BET Award then delivered yet another electrfying performance after announcing his {Last?) album hits the stores on Tuesday.
Also representing Richmond last night was director Alan Ferguson, who won an award with Beyonce’ as they co-directed her “Party” video, wh won them the BET Video Directorof the Year award. Alan is also the signifigant other of Beyonce’s sister Solange and gave a shout out to his family back here in the Capital City. A great night for the Carter household as both Jay-Z and Beyonce’ walked off with BET Awards. Did you see the “Power” couples, Jay and Bee chillin next to K and K? Two very fortunate men…….
Tear-jerking tributes from Cissy Houston to her daughter, the late Whitney. She was joined in tribute by Monica and Mariah Carey, while Joe, Tyrese and Faith Evans collaborated on the Maze tribute. One guy who got a lot of camera time at the BET Awards was KISS-FM’s own Michael Baisden, your afternoon host of Richmond’s No. 1 radio program, weekdays on your No. 1 station, 99.3 & 105.7 KISS-FM.
