The Sporting Life: Frankie Beverly & Maze Edition, Part One

Frankie Beverly & Maze will perform in Nashville at Bridgestone Arena on Saturday, October 26.

Frankie Beverly & Maze will perform in Nashville at Bridgestone Arena on Saturday, October 26, 2019, along with The Whispers and The Manhattans and Gerald Alston. The band Maze has been making hits for decades and has been part of my life many times. Their well-known songs include “Happy Feelin’s”, “While I’m Alone”, “Golden Time Of Day”, “Southern Girl”, “The Look in Your Eyes”, “Joy and Pain”, “Before I Let Go”, “We Are One”, “Back in Stride”, “Can’t Get Over You” and “The Morning After.” The band has maintained a large and devoted following since the 1970’s.

During the 25 years I traveled with the Tennessee State University Arstocrat of Bands, we featured “Before I Let Go” as a major piece in our repertoire, along with several other of the band’s hits. When I went to the Essence Music Festival in 2000 and 2001, Frankie Beverly & Maze were the closers. After three full days and nights on the long Essence weekend, it would end with dozens of thousands of us ‘party with a purpose’ people dancing to their music on the floor of the Superdome.

Frankie Beverly & Maze is an American soul band founded by Frankie Beverly in Philadelphia in 1970 under its original name Raw Soul. Beverly was born Howard Beverly in Philadelphia on December 6, 1946; but he started calling himself Frankie after hearing Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers (a major doo-wop group) when he was only nine years old in 1956. The band relocated to San Francisco and was introduced to Marvin Gaye, who took the group on the road with him as one of his opening acts. Marvin suggested that they change their name and after considering a few other names (including Karma and Charisma), Raw Soul officially became Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly in 1976. Maze released 9 Gold albums from 1977 to 1993.

The current lineup consists of Frankie Beverly, Roame Lowry, Carl Wheeler, Larry Kimpel, a.k.a. Bear Williams, Vance Taylor, Jubu Smith, and Calvin Napper. Mike’s Fall Soul Celebration with Maze featuring Frankie Beverly with special guests The Whispers and The Manhattans featuring Gerald Alston is coming to Bridgestone Arena on October 26, 2019 at 7:00PM. Ticket Prices are $150, $89.50, $79.50, $59.50, and $29.50.

Fisk University’s planned data center sparks debate as opposition grows in North Nashville

Fisk University's $400 million Innovation Center, including a 100,000-square-foot data facility, has sparked debate in North Nashville. Supporters say it will create educational opportunities, while

Davidson County General Sessions Court welcomes first court social worker

Metropolitan Nashville & Davidson County General Sessions Court appointed its first court social worker, Laura Frazier. With a Master of Social Work, Frazier will connect

2026 World Cup is here and Atlanta is ready for it

2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off June 11 with Atlanta serving as a host city. Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosts 8 matches including Spain vs Cabo Verde

NAACP, Legal Defense Fund seek court order to block USPS mail ballot rule

NAACP and Legal Defense Fund seek emergency court order to block proposed USPS rule threatening mail-in ballot delivery for 2026 elections. The groups argue the

FirstBank Stadium to host 2026 John A. Merritt Classic

On August 29, Tennessee State and Jackson State will face off at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville for the 2026 John A. Merritt Classic.