Howard Stanley Beverly, widely known as Frankie Beverly, was born on December 6, 1946, in Philadelphia and grew up in the East Germantown neighborhood. From a young age, Beverly was immersed in gospel music, singing in his local church choir. This early foundation sparked a lifelong passion for music that would eventually make him a legendary figure in the world of soul and funk.
As a teenager, Beverly formed his first group, The Blenders, a doo-wop outfit inspired by the harmonies of groups like The Dells and The Moonglows. After The Blenders disbanded, he formed The Butlers in 1963, marking the beginning of his recording career. In 1967, The Butlers' song "If That's What You Wanted" became a Northern soul classic, earning the group attention in the music industry.
However, The Butlers’ sound didn’t quite fit the emerging "Philly Sound," and after extensive touring, the group relocated to San Francisco, adopting the name Raw Soul. It was during this time that Beverly caught the attention of Marvin Gaye, who became a mentor to him. Gaye suggested a name change to Maze, and under this new moniker, the group achieved significant success, particularly with their blend of smooth soul and funk.
Maze, with Beverly at the helm, became a beloved act, known for their iconic hits such as "Joy and Pain" and "Before I Let Go." Their sound and live performances captivated audiences across the U.S. and the UK, particularly in the late 1970s and early 1980s. DJs like Greg Edwards and Robbie Vincent helped cement Maze’s popularity overseas, where their live performances at London's Lyceum Ballroom became legendary.
One of the key elements of Beverly’s enduring appeal was his unique stage presence. Known for his signature all-white attire, which included custom-designed casual clothing, fans would often wear all white to Maze concerts as a tribute to the band's iconic leader.
In 2019, Beverly experienced a resurgence in popularity when Beyoncé covered Maze’s classic "Before I Let Go" on her live album Homecoming. Beverly described the cover as "one of the high points" of his life, bringing his music to a new generation of listeners.
Beyond his career with Maze, Beverly’s personal legacy continued through his family. His son, Anthony Beverly, who toured as Maze’s drummer, helped organize a tribute album to honor his father's work. In 2009, Silky Soul Music: An All-Star Tribute to Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly was released, featuring artists like Mary J. Blige, Babyface, and Mint Condition, further solidifying Beverly's influence on contemporary music.
Frankie Beverly passed away on September 10, 2024, at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy of timeless music, powerful live performances, and a deeply loyal fan base. His contributions to soul and funk will forever remain etched in the history of American music, with his influence continuing to inspire future generations.
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