Frankie Beverly New Orleans Death – Soul Band Maze Singer and Producer Frankie Beverly has sadly passed away. He died surrounded by loved ones at the age of 77.
The news of his passing has left many devastated. The circumstances surrounding the actual cause of Frankie Beverly’s death has not been made public at the time this report was made.
Frankie Beverly, born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has had an illustrious musical journey that began in his formative years and evolved into a celebrated career.
Raised in the East Germantown section of Philadelphia, Beverly’s early experiences in gospel music, singing as a schoolboy in a local church, laid the foundation for his future in the industry. He graduated from the now-defunct Germantown High School, a modest start for someone destined to leave a significant mark on the music world.
As a teenager, Beverly’s passion for music led him to form The Blenders, a short-lived a cappella doo-wop group. Influenced by notable acts such as The Dells, The Moonglows, and The Del Vikings, The Blenders showcased Beverly’s vocal prowess and set the stage for his future endeavors. Despite the group’s brief existence, it was a crucial learning experience for Beverly, preparing him for the next phase of his career.
Following the dissolution of The Blenders, Beverly founded The Butlers, which would later be known as Frankie Beverly and the Butlers. This group marked Beverly’s first foray into recording, with their initial work making its debut in 1963. Their 1967 release, “If That’s What You Wanted,” became a Northern soul standard, a testament to Beverly’s burgeoning talent and the group’s distinctive sound.
Despite their success, The Butlers’ music did not seamlessly align with the “Philly Sound” that was popular at the time. This divergence, combined with extensive touring, eventually led the group to relocate to California. It was during this period of reinvention that The Butlers were rebranded as Raw Soul. Their move to the West Coast opened new doors and brought them to the attention of Marvin Gaye’s sister-in-law.
Marvin Gaye, a prominent figure in the music industry, recognized Raw Soul’s potential and invited them to open for his shows. Gaye’s influence and endorsement were pivotal, and he also encouraged Beverly to rename the band to Maze. This new moniker would become synonymous with a unique sound that blended elements of soul, funk, and R&B.
Under the name Maze, Frankie Beverly and his band achieved significant success. Their distinctive style and Beverly’s charismatic performances earned them a dedicated following and established Maze as a major force in the music industry. The group’s music, characterized by its soulful grooves and heartfelt lyrics, resonated with audiences and cemented their place in the annals of music history.