Frankie Beverly, born Howard Beverly on December 6, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, etched his name into the annals of music history through his unique voice, heartfelt lyrics, and infectious stage presence. As the frontman of the iconic soul and funk band Maze, he became a beloved figure in the R&B world.
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Early Days: From Gospel Roots to Soul Stardom
Beverly’s musical journey began in his hometown of Philadelphia, where he sang gospel in church choirs during his youth. Raised in the East Germantown section, he honed his vocal skills from an early age, inspired by the vibrant musical culture around him. After graduating from Germantown High School, he pursued his passion for music, starting with a doo-wop group named The Blenders, a short-lived yet formative experience for the budding artist. The group’s sound drew inspiration from vocal legends like The Dells and The Moonglows.
In 1963, Beverly formed another group, The Butlers, which later became Frankie Beverly and the Butlers. Despite recording several singles, including the Northern soul classic “If That’s What You Wanted,” the group never gained mainstream success. This struggle to break into the “Philly Sound” scene led Beverly and his band to seek new opportunities, ultimately relocating to California to further their career.
The Birth of Maze and a New Sound
Beverly’s fortunes changed in the early 1970s when he formed a new band called Raw Soul. A pivotal moment came when the group caught the eye of Marvin Gaye’s sister-in-law. Gaye, recognizing their potential, invited them to open his shows and persuaded Beverly to rename the band Maze. With this new identity, Maze went on to dominate the soul and R&B charts, carving out a unique space with their blend of smooth rhythms and poignant lyrics.
Maze’s music became synonymous with joy, pain, and human connection. Their most famous tracks, including “Joy and Pain,” “We Are One,” “Golden Time of Day,” and the quintessential anthem “Before I Let Go,” became timeless classics. “Before I Let Go,” in particular, transcended generations, becoming an anthem at family reunions, cookouts, and celebrations within the Black community. The band’s emotional depth, delivered through Beverly’s expressive voice, made them not just performers but cultural icons.
A Lasting Legacy: Beyond the Music
Frankie Beverly wasn’t just a musical genius; he had a magnetic personality and a distinctive style. His all-white, custom-designed casual outfits became a trademark look that fans came to associate with his performances. While his music continued to thrive on the airwaves, his influence reached new heights in 2019 when Beyoncé covered “Before I Let Go” as a bonus track on her live album “Homecoming.” Beverly described the cover as one of the highlights of his career, remarking that it made him feel “bigger than ever.”
Even in his later years, Beverly remained committed to his craft. In March 2024, he was honored with the NAACP Image Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award, a fitting recognition for his decades of contributions to music. He also continued to tour, with his last performances coming earlier this year during the “I Wanna Thank You Tour,” which served as his farewell to live audiences.
Saying Goodbye: The Passing of a Legend
On September 10, 2024, the music world mourned the loss of Frankie Beverly. At the age of 77, Beverly passed away, leaving a void in the hearts of his fans. The cause of his death remains unconfirmed, but his family shared the news of his passing via social media, expressing their sorrow and asking for privacy during this difficult time.
Despite his passing, Beverly’s impact remains undeniable. His music provided the soundtrack to countless moments of joy, celebration, and reflection, and his influence on the R&B genre will continue to resonate for generations to come.
