You may not know his name, but you know his music! His influence on R&B and soul is simply undeniable. Yes! I’m talking about Frankie Beverly, the music industry’s “best kept secret.” Through his work, Beverly has cemented himself not only as a musical pioneer but as a cultural icon whose contributions will echo for years to come.
While many recognize Frankie Beverly’s legacy through iconic hits like “Joy and Pain” and “Before I Let Go,” fewer are familiar with the journey that led him to such greatness. His music continues to resonate, carrying forward traditions and emotions that define the Black experience.
History
Howard Stanley Beverly, better known as “Frankie Beverly,” was born in the Germantown area of Philadelphia, where his father worked as a truck driver and his mother managed the household. He discovered his talent for singing while attending Germantown High School and performing at his Baptist church, where his father was a deacon. He became captivated by doo-wop and looked up to his first musical hero, Frankie Lymon of The Teenagers. In tribute to his idol, he eventually adopted the name “Frankie.”
At 12 years old, Beverly went on a year-long tour with The Silhouettes, who had a chart-topping hit with “Get a Job” in 1958. After the tour, he formed his own group, The Blenders, and later created Frankie Beverly and the Butlers in 1963. They recorded several singles for Gamble Records, owned by the famed producer Kenny Gamble, who would later co-found Philadelphia International Records with Leon Huff.
Inspired by Sly and the Family Stone, Beverly shifted his musical style towards funk and soul. This transition led The Butlers to evolve into Raw Soul, and the group eventually moved to San Francisco, where they developed a distinct sound that set them apart from the popular “Sound of Philadelphia.”
Hits & Legacy
Maze, featuring Frankie Beverly, became known for their smooth grooves and timeless hits like “Before I Let Go,” “Joy and Pain,” and “Happy Feelin’s.” These songs became staples of Black music and remain beloved by fans across generations, especially within the R&B and soul communities.
One of Beverly’s distinctive features is his warm, soulful voice and his ability to create music that brings people together, whether for celebration or reflection. His live performances with Maze became legendary, marked by high energy and audience engagement, often turning concerts into block parties.
Despite Maze and Beverly never achieving major crossover pop success, their music has had a lasting impact on the R&B genre, and they continue to have a loyal following. Between 1977 and 1993, Maze released nine gold albums and built a worldwide following, selling out venues globally without ever breaking into the mainstream. For much of his career, Frankie Beverly remained one of the music industry’s best-kept secrets, known for their legendary live performances that earned them the nickname “the Black Grateful Dead.” In a 1994 interview, Beverly reflected on how the group thrived without sacrificing his creative vision. He told the Baltimore Sun, “I wish more people knew who I was. But if it means losing what we have, then I’ll wait. Whatever this thing is we’ve got, it’s like a cult following.”
“Before I Let Go” has become a cultural anthem, frequently played at cookouts, family reunions, and parties. The song has been covered by many, including Beyoncé herself! For me, Frankie Beverly & Maze have been a staple at every family gathering. Hearing his music instantly takes me back to joyful moments with my grandmother before she passed. She played his songs at every event, and that’s how we all knew the party was just getting started.
In essence, Frankie Beverly’s music has captured the essence of Black love, perseverance, joy, and pain. His soulful melodies and relatable lyrics have made him an enduring figure in Black music, and his work will continue to be a key part of the cultural soundtrack for generations to come. Beverly’s influence on soul and R&B remains strong, and his contributions to Black music culture have solidified his legacy as a musical pioneer.