Frankie Beverly spent more than five decades as the frontman for a soul band that was an essential component of the soundtrack of Black America. The music of Maze featuring Frankie Beverly etched a composite of the naturally idealistic and optimistic approach to managing the highs and lows of life that has sustained Black people from the very beginning – both in life and in love.
The massive band could create a groove like nobody’s business. Beverly and his signature ball cap would vibe right along with the audience as he delivered his rich tenor vocals.
Just weeks after the conclusion of a multi-city farewell tour that included St. Louis, the Maze lead singer passed away on Wednesday, September 11. He was 77. No cause of death was immediately given.
“During this time, as we are navigating feelings of sorrow, reflection, and remembrance we kindly ask for privacy and understanding, allowing us the space to grieve in our own way,” the family said in a statement, according to CNN.
“This period is one of healing, and your respect for our need for solitude is appreciated as we honor the memory of our beloved Howard Stanley Beverly known to the world as Frankie Beverly.”
He was born Howard Stanley Beverly in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on December 6, 1946. Raised in the East Germantown section of the city, he began singing where so many soul legends established their musical foundation – the church.
He performed in doo-wop groups and first became a recording artist as the lead singer of The Butlers in 1963. They caught the eye of legendary songwriter and producer Kenny Gamble in 1967. The Butlers struggled to carve out their own place within the famed “Sound of Philadelphia” era, so they relocated to the Bay Area and rebranded themselves as Raw Soul in 1970.
Their mix of soul, funk and R&B reportedly captured the attention of legendary singer Marvin Gaye, who invited them to tour with him as his opening act.
“He told us, ‘I love y’all’s sound. But I hate that [expletive] name,” Beverly told audiences during their St. Louis Music Festival headlining performance at Chaifetz Arena back in 2013. And just like that Raw Soul became Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly. Beverly became known as a powerful crooner in his own right through songs like hits like “Joy and Pain,” “Golden Time of Day,” “We Are One,” “Happy Feelin’s.”
And no cookout, family reunion is complete until “Before I Let Go!” blasts through the speakers of the stereo or sound system. Music superstar Beyonce recorded a version of the Black music classic in 2019.
While Frankie Beverly is a household name in Black culture, mainstream critical acclaim and recognition eluded the band who was organically in tune to express Blackness with perfect pitch. They sold out tours for decades and created music that was a soothing balm that connected generations. But it would be 2012 before Beverly earned his first major recognition for his band’s contributions. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award during that year’s BET Awards.
The gesture so moved Beverly that he spoke about it when the band toured in subsequent years.
“I’m grateful for it because we don’t get many awards for some reason or another,” Beverly said at the St. Louis Music Festival the year after he was bestowed with the honor.
“While we don’t get don’t get many awards, we keep receiving the reward of your love and support after all these years.”
He announced his retirement earlier this year. As part of their farewell tour, Maze played Enterprise Center in June.
Appreciate your writing of the memoir of Frankie’s legacy. Thank you, St. Louis American
He was a musical genius. He will truly be missed by the music world.