*First James Earl Jones on Monday. Now Frankie Beverly. Sadly, we must report that another legend, the revered R&B/Funk-infused crooner passed away on Tuesday at the age of 77. His family confirmed the news via the band’s social media account, expressing their grief and request for privacy during this time of healing.
Born Howard Stanley Beverly in Philadelphia in 1946, he discovered his passion for music early on, singing in church and forming various R&B and doo-wop groups throughout the 1960s.
In 1970, the soulful Beverly took a significant step in his musical journey by founding Raw Soul, which was soon renamed Maze. His band, characterized by skillful live instrumentalists and supporting vocals, found their breakthrough in 1971 when Marvin Gaye invited them to tour as his opening act after the group moved to San Francisco.
This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Maze’s rise to prominence.
Scroll to continue reading
Maze’s debut album, “Maze featuring Frankie Beverly,” released in 1977, showcased the band’s signature sound, gaining acclaim for tracks like the irresistible “Happy Feelin’s.” As the years progressed, Maze became synonymous with the quiet storm genre, producing memorable hits such as “Golden Time of Day,” “Joy & Pain,” and “We Are One.” However, it was in live performances where Beverly’s artistry truly shone. He often expressed that it was the live experience that resonated most with audiences. He once said, “When you’re cookin’, it starts cookin’. It doesn’t matter how many people are in the room. It’s just a special thing. It’s probably the most powerful form of art.”
Perhaps one of the highlights of his career was in 1981 when Maze released “Before I Let Go.” This song became an emblematic anthem within Black communities and has been celebrated as an unofficial national anthem. Its joyous yet sincere nature resonated deeply, intertwining with the cultural fabric of cookouts and gatherings. The song saw a resurgence in popularity in 2019 when Beyoncé covered it in her documentary film, Homecoming, introducing it to a new generation.
Earlier in 2023, Beverly announced his retirement from music after a prolific career, embarking on a farewell tour with Maze, aptly titled “I Wanna Thank You.” During this tour, he expressed gratitude for the support he received over the past five decades and indicated that the legacy of Maze would live on through new lead vocalist Tony Lindsay. As he said, “It’s been a great ride through the decades. Let the music of my legacy continue.”
Frankie Beverly leaves behind a profound legacy that reshaped the landscape of funk and R&B. His contributions to music, with their deep roots in community and connection, will undeniably resonate for generations to come.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: R&B Singer Shanice Reveals She Had a Double Mastectomy
