Skillis and Maze

Originally from Philadelphia, singer-songwriter, producer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist Frankie Beverly, formed Raw Soul in 1970. The group recorded a number of singles with limited success and subsequently moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1981, where the group was introduced to Marvin Gaye. Before long Raw Soul became a huge success, were invited to tour in support of Gaye, and at his recommendation changed their name to Maze in 1976.

The same year, thanks to Mr. Gaye’s persuasion with the label, Maze signed with Capitol Records and released their debut album “Maze featuring Frankie Beverly” in 1977. The album was certified gold and earned the group a considerable fan base, aided by the singles “Happy Feelin’s”, “While I’m Alone” and “Lady of Magic”. At this time singer and rhythm guitarist Beverly was joined by lead guitarist Wayne Thomas, keyboard player Sam Porter, percussionist and backing vocalists Ronald “Roame” Loary and McKinley “Bug” Williams, and drummer Billy “Shoes” Johnson.

Maze’s sophomore album “Golden Time of Day” featuring the No. 9 R&B hit “Workin’ Together” was followed by “Inspiration” in 1979. Both these albums and all subsequent releases have been certified gold, and reached similar positions in U.S. Billboard 200 and U.S. R&B charts, which speaks volumes to the band’s consistency and devoted following. “Joy and Pain” was released in 1980, followed by “We Are One” in 1983, which marked Maze’s introduction into the UK charts reaching No. 38 and selling-out eight shows at the Hammersmith Odeon in London, UK.

Maze’s subsequent album “Can’t Stop the Love” in 1985 was the band first chart-topping U.S. R&B album, led by the singles “Back In Stride” and “Too Many Games”. In 1989 the band moved to Warner Bros. and released the album “Silky Soul”, which also found its way to the top of the R&B chart. Around this time the group proved popular with rappers who sampled a number Maze’s songs. “Back to Basics” was released in 1993, which the group supported with an extensive tour schedule.