Hearts are breaking all over the world as we mourn the death of a pivotal figure in R&B, Soul and Funk. With his uplifting and smooth vocals, he has always been welcome in our homes, weddings, and every family gathering. Today, we mourn the passing of BET and NAACP lifetime achievement award winning producer, musician, and soul singer, Howard Stanley “Frankie” Beverly.
Frankie Beverly was born December 6, 1946 in the “City of Brotherly Love,” Philadelphia, also known as Philly. Philly is home to many great names such as, “The Fresh Prince,” Will Smith, Award Winning Actor and director, Kevin Bacon, Model and Television Personality, Amber Rose, and many more.
Frankie Beverly’s journey in the music industry started at a local church singing gospel music. As a child, Beverly was influenced by the music he heard in church, as well as R&B singers Sam Cooke, Lloyd Price, and the doo-wop group Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers.
During his teenage years, Beverly started his first band, a doo-wop acapella group, “The Blenders,” but disbanding shortly after. Utilizing the knowledge and experience he gained from working with “The Blenders,” Beverly started another band called, “The Butlers” in 1963. They caught the attention of songwriter and record producer, Kenny Gamble, and signed a record deal. The Butlers released songs such as, “Because Of My Heart,” “She Tried To Kiss Me,” and “If That’s What You Wanted.”
In 1971, Gamble Records and The Butlers parted ways due to creative differences. After leaving Gamble Records, Beverly and his group changed their name to “Raw Soul” and moved to San Francisco, CA.
While performing at different venues in San Francisco, “Raw Soul” caught the attention of Marvin Gaye’s sister-in- law which opened the door for them to become one of the opening acts for Marvin Gaye. While touring, Gaye convinced Beverly to change the bands name to the one we all know and love, “Maze.” Following their name change, Gaye helped Maze get a record deal with Capitol Records in 1976.
Frankie Beverly & “Maze” released 9 gold albums from 1977 to 1993 including, “Maze featuring Frankie Beverly,” “Golden Time Of Day,” “Live In New Orleans,” “We Are One,” and “Can’t Stop The Love.” Many of these albums landed on the Billboard charts in the US and the UK. The influence and inspiration of Frankie Beverly & Maze has impacted many generations. Even being featured in, “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas,” and later Beyoncé covering their single “Before I Let Go.”
Throughout the years, Frankie Beverly & Maze have reached major success. After more than 50 years in the music business, Frankie Beverly performed his final concert in his hometown at the Dell Music Center. Before I Let Go, I would like to say, you will be missed, but never forgotten. Forever immortalized, the great, Frankie Beverly.
