The Philadelphia native was the frontman for the celebrated R&B band Maze. He lit up their tracks with his rich, powerful vocals. In addition to his considerable vocal gifts, he was a talented songwriter and producer. He penned all of Maze’s discography, which includes classics such as “Joy and Pain,” “Happy Feelin’s,” “Back In Stride,”“Before I Let Go,” “Southern Girl,” “Can’t Get Over You” and “Golden Time of Day.” The band earned nine Gold albums, all of which were produced by Beverly. In addition to vocals, he played guitar and piano.
Beverly was also a charismatic live performer. He always developed a strong connection with his audience during his performances. His warm and personable onstage demeanor made audience members feel like they were his close friends, or even family, at Maze concerts.
Beverly received lifetime achievement awards from the NAACP and BET. He was inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame in 2008. And in 2009, more than a dozen music artists–including Mary J. Blige, Musiq Soulchild, Ledisi, Avant, Mint Condition, and Kevon Edmonds–got together to record the tribute album Silky Soul Music: An All-Star Tribute to Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly. Also, in May of this year, the 6000 block of Norwood Street in Philadelphia’s East Germantown section where Beverly grew up was renamed Frankie Beverly Way in his honor.
Beverly was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on December 6, 1946. He developed a love for music at a young age and sang gospel songs in the local church while growing up in the East Germantown section of Philadelphia. Beverly formed the short-lived a cappella doo-wop group the Blenders while still in high school. After the Blenders broke up, he formed the R&B group the Butlers (which later became Frankie Beverly and The Butlers) in 1963. In 1967, they released the Beverly-penned single “If That’s What You Wanted,” which became a Northern Soul standard.
The group relocated to San Fransico in 1971 and renamed themselves Raw Soul. They caught the attention of Marvin Gaye’s sister-in-law who quickly told the soul legend about them. Gaye immediately recognized the young group’s talent and became their mentor. He featured them as one of his opening acts on his tours and eventually convinced them to change their name to Maze. He helped them secure a record deal with Capitol Records in 1976. Maze released their debut album Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly on the label in 1977. The album was a critical and commercial success. It contained the classic cuts “While I’m Alone,” “Happy Feelin’s” and “Lady of Magic.” The collection climbed to #6 on Billboard’s R&B album chart and #52 on the Billboard 200. It was certified Gold by the RIAA with 500,000 units sold. The album earned the band an ardent fanbase that remains strong to this day. Maze went on to land many more hits and distinguished themselves as one of R&B's most consistent and beloved bands, enjoying decades of continued success.
As Maze’s leader and guiding light, Frankie Beverly has forever etched his name in music history. He was a highly gifted and multifaceted singer, songwriter, musician, producer and performer. His tremendous contributions to soul and R&B music will forever be remembered.
Maze Featuring Frankie Performing "Joy and Pain" in concert in 1984
"If That's What You Wanted" by Frankie Beverly And The Butlers
