
Before I Let Go -
Farewell to
Frankie Beverly
Frankie Beverly is a legend of R&B, thanks to his classic songs, live performances, and an impact that will never fade.

Frankie Beverly is a legend of R&B, thanks to his classic songs, live performances, and an impact that will never fade.
Frankie Beverly’s Life and Work
One of the most consequential personalities in R&B and soul music, Frankie Beverly was born Howard Beverly in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on December 6, 1946. Famous for penning classic rock songs that have stood the test of time, Frankie Beverly was a co-founder, front singer, and principal songwriter of the band Maze. His ability to write songs about love, joy, and hardship that anybody can relate to, combined with his charismatic stage appearance and silky voice, made him a legendary figure in the music business.
The Influence of Music
Philadelphia is renowned for its rich musical tradition, particularly in soul and R&B, and it was there that Frankie Beverly’s musical adventure began. Gospel music had a huge influence on Beverly’s vocal technique and overall musical approach as he grew up. His early exposure to gospel singing laid the groundwork for the emotional depth that would later define his performances; the church played a vital role in his musical education, as it did for many African American performers of his period.
Beverly started listening to secular music as he got older, and he was a big fan of the doo-wop bands from the ’50s and ’60s, such as The Drifters and The Moonglows. He formed The Silhouettes, his first band, while he was a senior in high school. Although the group’s sound drew significantly on era-specific harmonies and vocal techniques, Beverly’s distinctive voice and natural talent for composing were apparent even at an early stage.
The Butlers and Unrefined Soul
The Butlers, Frankie Beverly’s doo-wop band from Philadelphia in the early ’60s, were well-known around town. Despite recording multiple singles while they were together, the Butlers never really broke through to the mainstream. In spite of everything that happened, Beverly never gave up on his music career. He worked tirelessly to improve his singing and composing.
In the late ’60s, when funk and soul were starting to make waves in the music industry, Beverly established a new band named Raw Soul. Their sound was more modern, including funk, R&B, and soul, and it was a break from the doo-wop style of The Butlers. Thanks in large part to the electric stage presence of Beverly and the band’s superb musicianship, Raw Soul gained a devoted fan base in Philadelphia and other East Coast locations.
Early Success and Formation of MAZE
In the early 1970s, when Frankie Beverly’s band was seen by Marvin Gaye—a major star in soul music at the time—the band’s career went into overdrive. After hearing Beverly perform, Gaye asked Raw Soul to open for him on tour. The band was able to perform for larger audiences and reach a wider audience as a result of this exposure.
Beverly changed the name of the band to Maze at Gaye’s suggestion to symbolize a new phase in their artistic journey. Maze relocated to California, changed their name, and redoubled their efforts to become one of the most riveting R&B live acts. The group’s first album, 1977’s *Maze featuring Frankie Beverly*, was an immediate hit upon release. “Happy Feelin’s” and “While I’m Alone,” two of the album’s popular hits, highlighted Beverly’s silky, soulful vocals and the band’s signature sound—defined by elaborate arrangements, tight rhythms, and poignant lyrics.
Maze became an R&B powerhouse and a fan favorite after the debut album’s smash hit status. Concerts put on by the band became famous for the intensity, musicianship, and emotional depth that Beverly brought to his songs, which allowed him to connect with audiences.
Ascent to Fame: The ’80s and ’90s
Frankie Beverly and Maze enjoyed unprecedented popularity in the ’70s and ’80s. Songs like “Southern Girl” and the title tune, which is still a favorite among fans, continued the band’s hot streak on their 1978 second album, “Golden Time of Day”. During this time, Beverly explored spirituality, love, and resilience in his music, which led to an evolution in his songwriting.
“Joy and Pain”, Maze’s 1980 album, cemented the group’s position in R&B annals. Elements of the duality and emotional depth present in most of Beverly’s music are captured in the title tune, “Joy and Pain,” which became a trademark song for the band. Fans who identified strongly with the song’s universal themes—the need of finding joy amid sadness and light in darkness—made it an anthem.
In the ’80s, Maze kept putting out albums that people loved. “We Are One” (1983) included the smash hit “Back in Stride,” and “Can’t Stop the Love” (1985) had another iconic Maze song, “Too Many Games.” Throughout this period, Beverly’s profile as a performer and composer rose, and his songs became mainstays on R&B stations nationwide.
Albums like “Silky Soul” (1989) continued the band’s prominence well into the 1990s; the single “Silky Soul,” an homage to Marvin Gaye, was a smash hit. The fact that Beverly could continue to write songs that paid homage to soul music’s history while yet appealing to modern listeners is evidence of his ongoing talent.
The Importance of Live Performances
Although Maze’s studio recordings were commercially successful, it was the band’s live performances that made them famous among R&B artists. Concerts featuring Frankie Beverly and the band were famous for the intensity, enthusiasm, and sense of community they evoked in listeners. Many fans consider Maze concerts to be mystical occasions where music, emotion, and connection converge, thanks to Beverly’s extraordinary talent for making every audience feel like they were a part of a shared experience.
“Live in New Orleans” (1981), the band’s live record, caught the enchantment of their performances and went on to become one of the best-selling R&B live albums of all time. Live performances of songs like “Before I Let Go,” another Maze classic, brought out the full force of the song as the crowd sang along word for word.
The stunning theatrical appearance of Frankie Beverly, clad in his trademark all-white ensembles, became legendary. Beverly hoped to express a pleasant and encouraging message through his music, and the color white, which represents harmony and oneness, mirrored that. There are innumerable musicians that credit Maze’s vocalist Beverly as an inspiration, and the band’s concerts continue to draw large audiences.
Life and It’s Difficulties
There were many obstacles along Frankie Beverly’s path. A number of health difficulties he had to overcome diminished his singing voice over time, including vocal strain and, later in life, throat ailments. Beverly persisted in playing and sharing his music with audiences all around the globe despite these challenges because he was resilient and committed to his work.
Beverly was an introvert who preferred to keep his private life out of the spotlight. Anthony Beverly, his son, has continued in the musical family tradition and frequently plays with Maze. Beverly lived his life guided by his strong spirituality and devotion to his family.
The Importance of Leaving a Legacy
There can be no doubt about Frankie Beverly’s influence on the R&B and soul music industries. The music of innumerable musicians who have gone after him bears his imprint; his melodies have become hymns of joy, perseverance, and love. New generations are finding inspiration in Beverly’s music, from Beyoncé (who recorded “Before I Let Go” in 2019) to other R&B artists.
Both the music he made and the bonds he formed with his listeners will live on in Beverly’s legacy. His live performances are a living testimony to the unifying power of music; his songs are still played and performed at gatherings and celebrations, spreading feelings of joy, love, and unity.
Frankie Beverly will be remembered as a legend in the history of R&B. He will forever be a soul music icon thanks to his classic songs, unforgettable live performances, and an impact that will never fade.
Rest with the Ancestors