Frank Bey - Peace (2025)

Marking five years since the passing of the GRAMMY-nominated bluesman Frank Bey, Peace is an 11-track compilation that encapsulates the essence of a career defined by resilience, authenticity, and an unshakable dedication to his art. Released on what would have been his birthday, January 17, 2025, this collection is not just a memorial but a celebration of Frank Bey’s indomitable spirit and his unwavering mission for peace through music.

The album opens with “That’s What Love Will Make You Do,” an uptempo gem recorded with The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra in 2015. The unreleased track brims with Bey’s unmistakable charm, setting the tone for the journey ahead. From there, “One Thing Every Day,” taken from his GRAMMY-nominated All My Dues Are Paid, reinforces Frank’s ethos of perseverance and gratitude, a poignant reminder of his life philosophy.

Bey’s gospel roots shine through in the soulful “Walk With Me” and the introspective “Bed for My Soul,” each track resonating with spiritual depth and emotional vulnerability. The collaboration with longtime bandleader Jeff Monjack and the late Kevin Frieson is especially evident in the blues-heavy cuts like “Blues Comes Knockin’” and “Blues in the Pocket,” where Frank’s velvety voice dances seamlessly over rich, textured instrumentation.

A standout moment arrives with “Change is Gonna Come,” Bey’s stirring interpretation of Sam Cooke’s civil rights anthem. His delivery is hauntingly profound, reflecting both his personal struggles and his enduring hope for a better world. Closing the album is “Imagine,” a beloved rendition of John Lennon’s timeless call for unity. Bey’s take transforms the classic into a bluesy, heartfelt plea, a fitting culmination to an album rooted in hope and humanity.

The stories behind Peace add further layers of meaning. From his early days singing gospel in Millen, Georgia, to his years of silence following a devastating fallout with The Moorish Vanguard, Frank Bey’s life was as rich and textured as his music. His triumphant return, guided by Jeff Monjack, resulted in a legacy that resonates far beyond his earthly presence.

Peace is not just a retrospective; it’s a reminder of the power of music to heal, inspire, and unite. Frank Bey’s voice, steeped in history and heartache, is a bridge between the past and the present, connecting listeners to the universal truths of love, loss, and hope.

With proceeds benefiting his widow, Toni Bey, this compilation is more than an album—it’s an enduring tribute to “The Southern Gentleman of the Blues.” For longtime fans and newcomers alike, Peace is a must-listen, a testament to the life and legacy of one of the blues’ most soulful voices. ~Glen Parkes