Kaylah Walton
The music industry bids farewell to an R&B icon. Frankie Beverly, the legendary singer and creator of Maze, has died at 77, as confirmed by his family on social media, though details surrounding his passing are yet to be made public.
Born Howard Stanley Beverly in Philadelphia, he began his music career in church during his childhood. In the 1960s, he founded two doo-wop groups, the Blenders and the Butlers. Their work eventually caught the attention of notable Philly soul figure Kenny Gamble, and their track If That’s What You Wanted became a favorite in the UK’s Northern soul movement.
Later, the group evolved into Raw Soul and moved to San Francisco, where Marvin Gaye influenced them to adopt the name Maze. They captured the hearts of many in the Black community over the years.
The band’s unique blend of soul and funk struck a powerful chord with audiences, leading to a gold-certified debut album and a string of eight more gold records. While they weren’t mainstream superstars, their influence on R&B was profound.
Frankie Beverly: A transformational figure in R&B
One notable single, While I’m Alone, peaked at #89 on the Hot 100 but was a regular on R&B charts, showcasing their community impact despite limited crossover appeal. Consequently, they became beloved within the Black community, with live performances often evoking comparisons to the Grateful Dead due to their strong communal atmosphere.
The sound of Maze was characterized as having a “lush, ebullient take on soul-funk,” with concerts being described as celebratory gatherings. Beverley’s energetic stage presence and distinct style, often in all-white designer attire, became hallmarks of their performances.
As fans mourn Frankie Beverly’s demise, we celebrate his monumental contributions to R&B. Maze’s music will continue to inspire and uplift. As Beverly noted, “Music is a spirit. It heals. It soothes. It’s a powerful force.” His legacy endures in the hearts of countless fans.
Marvin Gaye aptly recognized their importance, stating, “Maze featuring Frankie Beverly is one of the most important groups of our time.” Their legacy in R&B will resonate for generations ahead.
