Image alt text: Frankie Beverly performing at the Essence Music Festival in 2009, a testament to his long-standing career and impact on music festivals.
A Unique Sound Defying Genre Boundaries
Throughout the ever-changing musical landscape of the 1970s and 80s, Maze carved out a distinct sonic identity, resisting easy categorization. Frankie Beverly himself noted, “I never saw us as just an R&B group or just a pop group either. It’s not easy to tag us.” This genre-bending approach contributed to their longevity and appeal, allowing them to resonate with audiences across generations.
Maze’s impact on the R&B charts is undeniable. They amassed a remarkable string of hits, beginning with their first Top 10 single, “Workin’ Together” (1978). Further chart-topping releases solidified their place in R&B history, including classics like “Feel That You’re Feelin’,” “Southern Girl,” “Running Away,” “Before I Let Go,” “Love Is the Key,” “Too Many Games,” and “I Wanna Be With You.” The albums Back in Stride (1985) and Can’t Get Over You (1989) both reached No. 1 on the R&B charts, with Can’t Stop the Love (1985) and Silky Soul (1989) topping the R&B album chart, demonstrating their consistent success and album-selling power.
A Cult Following and the Power of Live Performance
Despite not always achieving mainstream recognition, Frankie Beverly recognized and cherished the deep connection Maze had with their fans. In a 1994 interview with the Baltimore Sun, he reflected, “I wish more people did know who I was, but if it’s at the expense of me giving up this thing we have, then I just have to wait until they find out. ’Cause whatever we have, whatever this thing is that we seem to have a part of, it’s a cult kind of thing.” This “cult” following translated into enduring popularity and consistent touring success.
Even decades after their last album release in 1993 (Back to Basics), Maze continued to draw crowds to concert halls well into the 2020s. Frankie Beverly’s signature smooth and sensual vocals remained the centerpiece of their performances. His iconic stage presence, often clad in white slacks, shirt, and baseball cap, became instantly recognizable to fans.
Critics also lauded Maze’s live performances. In 2009, New York Times critic Ben Ratliff described Maze’s concerts as “rehearsed rituals, working up to a rare and special audience feeling: deep, sentient serenity, not the usual kind of lose-yourself pop catharsis.” Frankie Beverly himself eloquently captured the magic of their live shows, stating, “when you’re cookin’, it starts cookin’. It doesn’t matter how many people is in the room. It’s just a special thing. It’s probably the most powerful form of art.” This dedication to live performance cemented their legacy and provided a powerful connection with their audience that transcended record sales.
An Enduring Musical Legacy and Influence
Maze’s signature sound, characterized by floaty, mesmerizing grooves evident in tracks like “The Morning After,” “I Wish You Well,” and “Golden Time of Day,” has had a lasting impact on R&B music. Their 1981 hit “Before I Let Go” experienced a resurgence in popularity when Beyoncé sampled and covered it as a bonus track on her Homecoming: The Live Album (2019). Frankie Beverly expressed his admiration for Beyoncé’s rendition, calling it “one of the high points of my life,” acknowledging the song’s continued relevance and reach to new audiences.
From Philadelphia Churches to R&B Stardom
Born Howard Beverly in Philadelphia, Frankie Beverly’s musical journey began in the church. Growing up in the East Germantown neighborhood, he sang gospel music at a local Baptist church where his father served as a deacon. He credited his early church experiences with fostering his love for singing, stating, “I grew up in church, and even as a child I loved singing.”
His stage name, Frankie Beverly, was inspired by Frankie Lymon of Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers, whose doo-wop hits like “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” captivated him. He also cited Lloyd Price and Sam Cooke as significant early musical influences, shaping his vocal style and artistic direction.
The Path to Maze: From the Silhouettes to Marvin Gaye
Frankie Beverly’s professional music career began at the young age of 12 when he toured with The Silhouettes, known for their 1958 hit “Get a Job.” He recounted, “They’d heard that I could sing like Frankie Lymon and the next thing I knew, they were at my house asking my parents if I could go on the road with them.”
He later formed his own groups, The Blenders in 1963 and then The Butlers, later known as Frankie Beverly and the Butlers. They released singles, including “She’s Gone” (1969), produced by Kenny Gamble, who later co-founded Philadelphia International Records. Seeking a new musical direction, Beverly shifted towards soul and funk, influenced by Sly and the Family Stone. He renamed the band Raw Soul and relocated to San Francisco.
After initial struggles in San Francisco, Raw Soul gained traction, eventually catching the attention of Marvin Gaye’s sister-in-law. This connection proved pivotal. Marvin Gaye invited them to tour as his opening act in 1976 and facilitated a record deal with Capitol Records. Gaye also suggested the name change to Maze. Frankie Beverly’s contribution to Gaye’s No. 1 hit “Got to Give It Up” (playing cowbell on a milk bottle) further solidified their bond. Beverly fondly remembered Gaye, saying, “He loved me like a little brother.”
Their debut album, Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly (1977), marked their breakthrough, reaching No. 6 on the US R&B chart and featuring hit singles “While I’m Alone” and “Lady of Magic.”
Farewell Tour and Honoring a Legacy
Earlier this year, Frankie Beverly announced his retirement and embarked on a farewell US tour. Philadelphia honored him by renaming a street in East Germantown as Frankie Beverly Way in April. Looking to the future, Maze plans to continue performing as Maze Honoring Frankie Beverly, with Tony Lindsay taking over as lead vocalist, ensuring that the music and legacy of Maze will endure. Frankie Beverly and Maze received numerous accolades throughout their career, including Black Entertainment Television’s BET Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 and a special award from the Essence Festival in New Orleans in July 2024.
Frankie Beverly maintained a private personal life but was known to be in a long-term relationship with TV news journalist Pam Moore. He is survived by his son, Anthony. As fans and the music world process the loss of this R&B icon, details regarding a Frankie Beverly funeral service are anticipated as a way for many to collectively mourn and celebrate his extraordinary life and musical contributions. His impact on music and the hearts of his fans will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
