Maze

Founded in Philadelphia in 1970 by Frankie Beverly as Raw Soul, Maze initially developed between the East Coast and the San Francisco Bay Area, where the group met Marvin Gaye, who took them on tour and encouraged their name change in 1976. Maze’s music sits at the intersection of R&B, soul and funk, characterized by supple rhythms, groove-centered arrangements and songs often concerned with feelings, celebration or collective bonds. Centered on Frankie Beverly’s voice, Maze built its trajectory both on stage and in the studio with albums such as Maze featuring Frankie Beverly (1977), Golden Time of Day (1978), Inspiration (1979), Joy and Pain (1980), We Are One (1983), Can’t Stop the Love (1985), Silky Soul (1989) and Back to Basics (1993). The group also left its mark with live records like Live in New Orleans (1981). Notable songs include Before I Let Go, Joy and Pain, We Are One, Back in Stride and Can’t Get Over You. Remaining a major presence on the American soul circuit for decades, Maze was closely tied to Frankie Beverly, who retired from the stage in 2023 and died in 2024.