Philadelphia celebrated native son and R&B singer Frankie Beverly, 77, on Saturday with a ceremonial renaming of the 6000 block of Norwood Street in Germantown where his childhood home sits as “Frankie Beverly Way.”

Though the weather was wet and gloomy, it was a golden time of day for the dozens of people in attendance at the Dell Music Center in Strawberry Mansion. The honor was championed by City Council member Cindy Bass.

Frankie Beverly has given so much to our city, our culture, and the music scene,” she said. “We just want to be here and say thanks. That street sign is up now in East Germantown. We love and appreciate you.”

The presentation was sponsored by Maze Inc. in cooperation with the Black Promoters Collective, Bass, Philadelphia City Council and the Parks and Recreation Department.

Fellow musicians, family and dignitaries were present as Beverly was accompanied by his cousins William Beverly and Deborah Beverly Pugh.

“I want to thank you all for coming along on this journey,” Beverly said during his acceptance speech. “Today is not a sign of a closing chapter, but a new beginning. There is more to come.”

Read More