Frankie Beverly: The Unsung Soul Icon Who Transcended Genres

The online tributes to Frankie Beverly in the wake of his death on Wednesday offered a fascinating study in contrasts. Black Americans wrote about his band Maze as a fact of life, invoking memories of family parties, summer barbecues and picnics to which they had inevitably provided the soundtrack. To British soul fans, however, Beverly was something else entirely: a connoisseur's choice, championed by taste-making DJs and beloved by the underground soul scene.

Celebrating the Enduring Legacy of a Soul Music Trailblazer

The Humble Beginnings of a Soul Music Icon

Frankie Beverly's journey to becoming a soul music icon was anything but straightforward. He started out in the doo-wop band The Blenders in his native Philadelphia, modeling himself on the likes of Frankie Lymon. His next band, The Butlers, showcased his versatility as they shifted their sound to keep up with the changing times, from the distinct doo-wop influence of their debut single to the brassy, hard-driving style that later caught the attention of northern soul DJs.Despite the high-profile local fans and collaborators The Butlers had in 60s Philadelphia, including Thom Bell and Kenny Gamble, Beverly's next project, Raw Soul, didn't quite fit the mold. The band's tough, James Brown-influenced strain of funk was a far cry from the orchestrated sumptuousness of the Philly International sound, and it would take record collectors and DJs from the deep funk world to rediscover their work.

The Birth of Maze and the Emergence of a Distinctive Sound

Feeling out of step with the prevailing musical trends in his hometown, Beverly made the bold decision to relocate to the West Coast. It was there that Raw Soul encountered Marvin Gaye, who took them on tour as a support act and convinced Beverly to change the band's name to Maze.Signed to a major label, Maze released their debut album, which reworked some of Raw Soul's material and introduced the band's characteristic sound – mid-tempo, comfortable, relaxed, smooth but not slick, with Beverly's voice bringing an edge. This distinctive style, which eschewed the dominant disco and P-Funk sounds of the era, may have been the key to Maze's success, as they provided an alternative for audiences not enamored with the prevailing trends.

Maze: Champions of the Black Stay-at-Home Audience

As soul and R&B underwent a succession of striking sonic upheavals, Beverly and Maze opted to gently augment their signature sound rather than chase the latest fads. This reliability and consistency, coupled with Beverly's "rougher, more working-class quality" and his songs' focus on "unending fidelity" rather than sex, resonated deeply with their core audience.Critic Nelson George's insightful review of Maze's 1981 live album "Live in New Orleans" captured the essence of the band's appeal, describing them as "champions of Black stay-at-homes nationwide" and praising the "wholesome," "soothing," and "engaging" qualities of their sound.

Maze's Enduring Appeal and Devoted Fanbase

In Britain, Maze's reliability and unwavering commitment to their signature sound meant they remained a constant on a soul scene that was constantly evolving. They belonged to a Black audience and, in the UK, to diehard soul fans alone, who followed them for decades even after Beverly stopped producing new material.The fact that Maze never had a crossover pop hit on either side of the Atlantic may have actually bolstered their appeal, as they were seen as a band that belonged to their core audience. Their devoted fans continued to follow them, even dressing in all white in imitation of Beverly's trademark stage outfit, a testament to the deep connection they felt with the band's music.Frankie Beverly and Maze's enduring legacy is a testament to the power of authenticity, consistency, and a deep understanding of one's audience. In an industry often driven by trends and gimmicks, they carved out a unique space for themselves, becoming the "champions of Black stay-at-homes nationwide" and a beloved institution among soul music aficionados around the world.