Frankie Beverly and Maze, happy feelings on rhythm review. I'm Felix Hernandez. I'm sure you've heard that Frankie passed away September 10th. He was 77 years old. Frankie Beverly is best known as the leader of the West Coast band, Maze, which started recording in 1977. But Frankie's career started in the early sixties in his hometown, Philadelphia.
In 1963, he made his first records with a group called The Butlers, a group that he led for several years in Philly. I wanna play a couple of those rare early recordings. Here's Frankie Beverly with The Butlers.
That's Frankie Beverly early in his career.mPhiladelphia based group that he led called the Butlers made that record for Kenny Gamble. And before that, a song that was a big hit locally in Philly, especially among teenagers who went out dancing at the Jerry Blabber dances. That one's called “She Tried to Kiss Me.” The group itself never made any albums. It was just a series of singles over a number of years.
After years of struggling with the Butlers, he decided to pack up and move to the West Coast. While he was in California, he formed a group called Raw Soul. This group made a few singles as well for a small label called Gregor, and I dug deep and found a couple of them, but I'm gonna play one for you now. Here's the first recording of a song that he eventually rerecorded with Maze. It's the original version of “While I'm Alone.”
Frankie Beverly with Raw Soul. We're paying tribute to Frankie who passed away September 10th. He was born in Philadelphia, led a group called the Butlers for many years in his hometown, moved west to the San Francisco Bay Area, and formed Raw Soul.
Eventually met Marvin Gaye, who suggested he change the band's name and as Frankie Beverly and Maze, they made their recording debut on Capitol Records in 1977.
Tracks featured:
Happy Feelings - Maze
She Tried to Kiss Me - Butlers
She's Gone - Butlers
While I'm Alone - Raw Soul
Before I Let Go - Maze
Others to discover:
When I Grow Older - Butlers
Mother Nature's (Been Good To Us) - Raw Soul
Golden Time of Day - Maze
Feel That You're Feeling - Maze
Joy and Pain - Maze
