Frankie Beverly with The Isley Brothers and Maze

The Isley Brothers, from Cincinnati, excelled in R&B, soul, and funk over decades. Known for "Shout" and "It's Your Thing," they collaborated with Jimi Hendrix and Santana. The group's evolution spanned styles, producing hits like "That Lady" and "Fight the Power." They overcame personal challenges, and their influence remains, marked by Grammy wins and notable collaborations.

Frankie Beverly, born in Philadelphia, pioneered Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, an influential R&B band known for its soulful sound and live shows. Inspired by Marvin Gaye, Beverly crafted hits like "Happy Feelin's" and "Back in Stride." Maze, popular in the '70s and '80s, earned several gold albums despite limited pop hits. Beverly's bands evolved from Philadelphia's Raw Soul to Maze in the San Francisco Bay Area, with Marvin Gaye facilitating their Capitol Records contract. Despite few '90s hits, Maze's live performances maintained a loyal fan base. Beverly passed away on September 10, 2024.