Frankie Beverly

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Frankie Beverly, born Howard Stanley Beverly on December 6, 1946, in Philadelphia, was an American singer, songwriter, and producer best known for leading the soul and funk band Maze. He started making music as a boy in a church choir and grew up in East Germantown. In the 1960s he formed a few local groups, including The Blenders and The Butlers, which later became Frankie Beverly and the Butlers.

In 1967 they recorded a Northern soul favorite, “If That’s What You Wanted.” The Butlers eventually moved toSan Francisco, where the band was renamed Raw Soul and then Maze after a nudge from Marvin Gaye’s sister-in-law. Gaye helped boost their career, and Maze gained a larger following, especially in the United Kingdom, where DJs helped them find new audiences.

Maze released nine gold albums and built a devoted fan base. They became known for their distinctive all-white stage outfits, a tradition where audiences would also wear white at shows. One of their most enduring songs is “Joy and Pain,” which found particular success in the UK.

Frankie Beverly’s most famous song with Maze, “Before I Let Go,” has continued to resonate long after its release. In 2019 Beyoncé covered the track as a bonus on her Homecoming: The Live Album, calling the moment one of the high points of her career. The song has also been covered by other artists, underscoring its lasting appeal.

Beverly’s son Anthony toured as Maze’s drummer, and Beverly and his former wife Heather Beverly helped organize a tribute album in 2009 called Silky Soul Music: An All-Star Tribute to Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly. The album featured numerous well-known artists, including Mary J. Blige, Babyface, and Mint Condition.

Over the years Beverly received several honors. He was awarded the Rhythm and Blues Foundation Pioneer Award in 2006, and he earned a BET Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. In 2024 he received the TV One Urban One Honors Living Legend Award and the NAACP Image Awards Lifetime Achievement Award. Philadelphia also honored him by naming a Germantown street after him in May 2024. He was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in October 2024.

Frankie Beverly passed away on September 10, 2024, at the age of 77. His legacy lives on in Maze’s music, especially their smooth blend of R&B, soul, and funk, which continues to inspire artists and fans around the world.