Frankie Beverly

Frankie Beverly (born Howard Beverly, December 6, 1946) is an American singer, musician, songwriter, and producer, known primarily for his recordings with the soul and funk band Maze.[1] Beverly formed Maze, originally called Raw Soul, in his hometown of Philadelphia in 1970. After a relocation to San Francisco and an introduction to Marvin Gaye, Maze went on to release nine Gold albums and create a large and devoted following. Beverly is the band's writer, producer and lead singer. He is known for his distinctive smooth baritone voice and charismatic stage presence.

Frankie Beverly
Background information
Birth nameHoward Beverly
Born (1946-12-06) December 6, 1946
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
GenresR&B, soul, funk
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter, record producer, musician
InstrumentsVocals, guitar, piano
Years active1963-present
Associated actsThe Blenders, The Butlers, Maze

Early life and career

Beverley was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States,[1] and started out singing gospel music as a schoolboy in a local church.

As a teenager he formed The Blenders, a short-lived a cappella, doo-wop group that were influenced by The Dells, The Moonglows, and The Del Vikings. After that outfit dissolved, he founded The Butlers (subsequently Frankie Beverly and the Butlers), which would be the first group he recorded with in 1963.[1] In 1967, he cut "If That's What You Wanted", which became a Northern soul standard. As time passed, they caught the attention of the record producer Kenny Gamble, who eventually released recordings by the group.

It turned out that music performed by The Butlers did not fit into the "Philly Sound", and after some heavy touring, the group relocated to California. The unit was re-christened as Raw Soul and caught the attention of a sister-in-law to Marvin Gaye.[1] Gaye featured them as an opening act at his shows, and also convinced Beverly to change the band's name to Maze.[1]

The group's popularity was enhanced considerably in the UK by DJs Greg Edwards and Robbie Vincent in the late 1970s and early 1980s when they performed live at London's Lyceum Ballroom for broadcast on Capital Radio. They are best known there for their UK No. 57 hit single, "Joy and Pain".[2]

Style

Beverly's onstage attire (all-white custom designed and made, casual clothing, including slacks, long-sleeved shirt, and a baseball cap) has become his signature dress style over the years. It has become tradition for the audience to wear all white to the concerts in honor of the group.

His son, Anthony, who has toured as a drummer with Maze, organized a tribute in 2009 to his father, founding the record label Brantera, as an homage to the work of Maze. Mary J. Blige, Kenneth Brian Edmonds (Babyface) and Mint Condition were among the artists taking part on the album.[3]

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References
  1. Colin Larkin, ed. (2003). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Eighties Music (Third ed.). Virgin Books. pp. 331/2. ISBN 1-85227-969-9.
  2. Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 357. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  3. Michael Baisden Show- "B-Side Artist" page Archived July 14, 2011, at the Wayback Machine Accessed October 24, 2009.
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