In this Series of Posts, I will writing about the Artist’s who are in My “Greatest Ever Soul Singer of All-Time” Poll.
In these Post’s, I will write a few Facts, Figures, Stats and Interesting Stuff on the Artist in Question, I will also include a Playlist of their 20 Greatest Songs.
Frankie Beverly was Born on 6th December 1946 in the US City of Philadelphia PA.
As a Young Boy he Sung Gospel Music in his Local Church, and by the time he Reached his Teenage Years, He had Formed a Doo-Wop Group by the Name of “The Blenders”
The Group did not Last too long and by 1963, Frankie Beverly had Formed another Band by the name of “The Butlers”
During the Latter part of the 60’s the Band caught the Attention of Kenny Gamble, and went on to Record with Gamble.
But during 1970 another Name Change Happened, this time they Changed it to “Raw Soul”
By 1971 it was Decided that the “Raw Soul” Sound didn’t Suit the “Philly Sound” so Frankie Beverly and the Band Re-Located to California, where the Music was more Laid Back!
As the 70’s went by, the Band were soon Discovered by the Sister-in-law of Marvin Gaye, and soon after Marvin Gaye was using “Raw Soul” as his Opening Act while on the Road.
Marvin Gaye Loved the band but did not Like their Name, so he Persuaded Frankie Beverly to have another Name Change, and this time it Worked and by 1976 “Maze” had Signed for Capitol Records!
By 1977, Maze Released their Debut Album on “Capitol Records” called Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, it was to Start a Run of Success that had 8 Studio Albums Released over about a 16 Year Period, and all of them Attained “Gold Status”
The Album had 2 Single Releases that were “While I’m Alone” which Reached Number 89 on the US Pop Chart and Number 21 on the US R&B Chart and followed by “Lady of Magic” which Reached Number 108 on US Pop Chart and Number 13 on the US R&B Chart.
Over their Period of Success, Maze only had 2 Number One’s on the US R&B Chart, and they were “Back in Stride” in 1985 and “Cant Get Over You” in 1989.
My Favorite 2 Album’s by “Maze & Frankie Beverly” were “We Are One” in 1983 and “Cant Stop The Love” from 1985.
Maze were not a Big Recording Band, in fact they only ever Released 10 Albums and 2 of them were Live Recordings!
but they were by Far one of the Best Loved Bands, Especially in the U.K!
Checkout The Best of Frankie Beverly & MazE
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