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77-year-old singer Frankie Beverly passed away on Tuesday, September 10. The news about the R&B artist, songwriter, and producer's demise was announced by his family a day after, on Wednesday, through an Instagram post. According to the post, the family asked for privacy while they grieve their loss.
Meanwhile, it is worth mentioning Frankie's iconic band Maze, also known by other names like Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly and Frankie Beverly & Maze. The soul band was founded by Frankie back in 1970 in Philadelphia. The band was initially named Raw Soul, which they later changed after being suggested the same by Marvin Gaye.
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The band dropped nine Gold albums in the period from 1977 to 1993. Some of their most popular songs included Happy Feelin's, While I'm Alone, Golden Time of Day, Southern Girl, The Look in Your Eyes, Joy and Pain, and Before I Let Go, to name a few.
Maze had witnessed several talented members in its lifetime, including Carl Wheeler, Ordeen Mays Jr., Vernon Black, Larry Wims, Kevin Lloyd, Kevin Stancil, and Marlon Curry, among others.
Everything to know about soul band Frankie Beverly & Maze
Shortly after the formation of the band back in 1970, they recorded a few single tracks under a Gregar label. However, they didn't become that successful. A turning point in the band's trajectory happened after they shifted to the San Francisco Bay Area from Philadelphia and met Marvin Gaye.
In 1977, the band released their debut album Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, after they signed with Capitol Records a year back in 1976. The record contained some hit singles including Happy Feelin's, While I'm Alone, and Lady of Magic. In 1978, they went on to release their second album Golden Time of Day.
In 1993, they released their eighth and last album Back To Basics after dropping seven records, while their last single Teach Each Other was released in 2001.
The band had a great impact on its fans. This could be further corroborated by the fact that Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson dubbed April 27 as Frankie Beverly Day, as reported by The TRiiBE. Several fans gathered at the United Center in Chicago on that day this year to celebrate and watch their beloved icon be commemorated.
Furthermore, Death Row Records' legendary singer Danny Boy commented:
"My favorite song from them is ‘Golden Time of Day.' I remember hearing that as a shorty in lounges here. My momma raised me in church and my daddy raised me in what we call taverns and I always had the opportunity to sit at the jukebox and hear his music so I think he means a lot of Chicago."
Earlier this year The Frankie Beverly Farewell Tour 2024 took place, which included shows in many cities across the United States, including Houston, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia. Billboard further reported that it was the band's reunion tour.
The 77-year-old Maze member had been the person behind several hit R&B tracks. After his demise, many people offered condolences to the grieving family.
