Frankie Beverly, born Howard Stanley Beverly in 1946, was a seminal figure in R&B and funk music. Originating from Philadelphia, he began his musical journey singing in church and later formed several R&B and doo-wop groups during the 1960s. In 1970, he founded the band Maze, initially known as Raw Soul, which gained prominence after relocating to San Francisco and touring with Marvin Gaye. Maze's signature blend of soul, funk, and R&B produced timeless hits like "Joy and Pain," "Before I Let Go," and "Happy Feelin's," becoming staples at gatherings and celebrations. Beverly's smooth baritone and heartfelt songwriting earned him a devoted fan base and solidified his legacy in the music industry. He passed away on September 10, 2024, at the age of 77. ([opb.org](https://www.opb.org/article/2024/09/11/frankie-beverly-r-b-and-funk-legend-dies-at-77/?utm_source=openai))