Jalen Hurts ‘devastated’ by legendary R&B singer’s death

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was recently asked: If you could listen to only one album for the rest of your life, which would you choose?

“There’s a live album by Frankie Beverly that I listen to. It’s that one right there,” Hurts said as he took the Maze album “Live in New Orleans” in his hands. “I could listen to this for the rest of my life. …

“I think the live-album feel gives you the presence like you’re really there. I think my favorite track on it is ‘Happy Feelings’ and ‘Joy and Pain.’”

Beverly led Maze through the live performance at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans in 1980 that was released as an album in 1981.

So when Beverly’s family announced the singer’s death on Wednesday, it hit the NFL Pro Bowler hard.

RELATED: LEGENDARY R&B SINGER DIES AT AGE 77: ‘HE LIVED HIS LIFE WITH PURE SOUL’

“His timeless music, his powerful words and his lasting impact,” Hurts wrote on social media. “I’m devastated to hear about this one. My prayers are with the Beverly family and the many Frankie fans across the world! His legacy will live on forever. Rest easy, my friend. Long live Frankie.”

Hurts led the Eagles to a 34-29 victory over the Green Bay Packers in their season-opening game on Friday in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

RELATED: EAGLES QB JALEN HURTS: ‘WE WEATHERED THE STORM AS A TEAM’

The former Alabama quarterback and his Philadelphia teammates will make their home debut for the 2024 season on Monday, when the Eagles face the Atlanta Falcons at 7:15 p.m. CDT at Lincoln Financial Field. ABC and ESPN will televise the game.

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.