Frankie Beverly And New Edition To Be Honored At The NAACP

by Jameelah Mullen

March 8, 2024

Get your dancing shoes ready, the 55th Annual NAACP Awards is going to be lit.

Iconic singing group New Edition will be inducted into the acclaimed NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame during the 55th annual NAACP Image Awards show. 

“The Hall of Fame Award is bestowed on an individual who is a pioneer in their respective field and whose influence will shape the profession for generations to come.”

New Edition has done just that. The group was formed in 1978 in Boston with original members Bobby Brown, Michael Bivens, Ronnie Devoe, Ricky Bell, and Ralph Tresvant. Released in 1983, the group’s debut album, Candy Girl, peaked at No. 14 in the US. R&B Charts. Their self-titled sophomore album peaked at No. 1 on the US Billboard Chart and was certified twice platinum.

The group produced seven studio albums together and several solo projects. Lead singer Ralph Tresvant released his first self-titled solo album in 1990 and released two more solo projects.

Ricky Bell, Michael Bivens and Ronnie Devoe formed BBD and cranked out hits such as “Poison” and “Can You Stand The Rain.” Bobby Brown left New Edition in 1985 and was replaced by crooner Johnny Gill. Brown had a successful solo career with several top-selling hits, including “Every Little Step” and “My Prerogative.”

The “Tenderoni” singer returned to his New Edition roots in 2009, making it a six-member group. In November 2023, the group announced its Las Vegas residency, which began on February 28 and will run until March 9, 2024. 

The Lifetime Achievement award will go to legendary singer and songwriter Frankie Beverly of Frankie Beverly and Maze. The prestigious award will be presented to the singer at the NAACP Image Awards Dinner, which will be held on Thursday, March 14, in Los Angeles.

Beverly’s noteworthy career began in 1963 when he released his first song, “If That’s What You Wanted,” with his group, The Blenders. The group was renamed to Raw Soul and later changed to Maze. Frankie Beverly and Maze gained popularity in the 1970s and released nine studio albums, all reaching gold status. They released several top charting hits, including “Joy And Pain,” “Happy Feelings,” “Southern Girl,” and the ultimate Black cookout classic “Before I Let Go.” 

Beverly announced that will be his final tour before his retirement. The” Farewell Tour” kicks off in Atlanta at the State Farm Arena on March 22 and will end in Los Angeles at the Kia Forum on May 12. 

“It is our distinct honor to celebrate New Edition and Frankie Beverly–two musical icons that have been instrumental in shaping our cultural landscape with their remarkable talent and enduring influence,” said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson in a press release.

The 55th Annual NAACP Image Awards will air live on Saturday, March 16, at 8 p.m. on BET and CBS.