Frankie Beverly, the legendary frontman of Maze, was a pioneer in the world of R&B. His musical contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry, and his passing on September 10, 2024, sent waves of grief through the music community.
However, Frankie Beverly’s legacy is not solely preserved in the timeless tracks he recorded but also through the musical journey of his son, Anthony Beverly. Known for his own talent and dedication, Anthony Beverly is following in his father’s footsteps, ensuring that the musical flame his father lit continues to burn brightly.
Early Life and Musical Influence
Anthony Beverly was immersed in music from the very beginning. Born into a family that lived and breathed the rhythm of R&B, Anthony’s earliest memories involved his father, Frankie Beverly, and the iconic sounds of Maze. It was clear from a young age that Anthony had inherited his father’s musical talent. As early as four years old, Anthony was already demonstrating his natural ability with drums.
In a 2023 interview on “The Cheron Moore Extraordinary Drummers Show,” he fondly recalled how his mother would find him using butter knives to drum on pots and pans, creating makeshift percussion instruments. Recognizing his son’s passion, Frankie Beverly gifted him his first drum set, a Mickey Mouse set, igniting a lifelong passion for rhythm and music.
Anthony’s mother played a pivotal role in nurturing his talent, but it was his father who became the ultimate mentor. As Anthony grew older, it became apparent that his future would involve music, and by the age of 20, he had already begun touring with his father’s band, Maze. It was during these formative years that Anthony would learn some of his most valuable musical lessons, experiencing what he humorously described as “groove school.”
Touring with Maze: A Father-Son Collaboration
For Anthony, playing with Maze wasn’t just a gig; it was an education. Touring with his father’s band in his early 20s taught him the nuances of rhythm, timing, and, most importantly, the discipline required to be a professional musician. Anthony fondly remembered how his father was both his biggest supporter and toughest critic.
Being Frankie Beverly’s son didn’t come with any special privileges. On the contrary, Anthony found that he was held to a higher standard than the other musicians. He recounted how his father would offer him specific feedback that he wouldn’t necessarily give to other band members. “When I was sitting in that drum chair, it was extra hot,” Anthony shared. “He could say different things to me that he couldn’t say to other guys.”
Despite the pressure, Anthony relished the opportunity to learn from a legend. He recounted how his father would push him to pull back his snare or adjust his kick drum while ensuring he never lost the tempo. Although it was challenging at times, Anthony understood that his father’s guidance was invaluable. He would later describe those years as the toughest but most rewarding of his career, referring to his father as a musical “professor” who taught him the art of the groove.
Tribute to Frankie Beverly: Honoring a Legacy
In 2009, Anthony Beverly took the opportunity to honor his father’s contributions to the music industry by co-producing a tribute album titled Silky Soul Music… An All-Star Tribute to Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly. This album was a testament to the profound impact Frankie Beverly had on the world of R&B, as it featured performances from some of the most talented artists in the industry, including Mary J. Blige, Musiq Soulchild, and the Clark Sisters.
Anthony co-produced the album alongside his then-wife, entertainment attorney Heather Nelson-Beverly, through their company, Brantera Music Group. In an interview, Anthony expressed his desire to properly honor his father’s contributions to the music industry. “Not only is this an accomplished group of artists, with diverse and distinctive voices, but they are all Frankie Beverly and Maze fans,” he shared. The album was a labor of love, and through it, Anthony ensured that his father’s influence would be celebrated by a new generation of music lovers.
The Father-Son Relationship: More Than Music
While music was undoubtedly a cornerstone of their relationship, Anthony Beverly shared that his bond with his father went far beyond their professional collaborations. In the same 2023 interview with Cheron Moore, Anthony reflected on how his relationship with his father evolved over the years. He explained that despite his father’s fame, they maintained what he described as a “typical father-son relationship.” Anthony’s admiration for his father was clear, but he also cherished the moments when they weren’t talking about music, when they could simply enjoy each other’s company.
“He is who he is, but for me, that’s my father,” Anthony shared. “So like a lot of times, we get together and talk music, and then most of the time we don’t. It’s real cool. We’ve got a real cool relationship, and the older I get, the better it gets.”
Anthony also recognized that musically, he was very much like his father. He joked about inheriting his father’s ears, meaning that he had developed the same discerning taste for musical perfection. “If it’s not right — Oh my God, I just want to cut my ears off,” he said with a laugh, acknowledging the high standards he inherited from his father.
The Next Generation: Anthony Beverly’s Children
Anthony Beverly isn’t the only one in the family who has pursued a career in music. His children have also followed in their grandfather’s footsteps, each contributing to the family’s musical legacy in their own unique way.
Anthony’s son, Brandon Beverly, works in music management and even served as his grandfather’s road manager and personal assistant for two years. His eldest daughter, Tiera Beverly, is an R&B soul singer-songwriter, releasing her single “Can’t Talk” in 2019. Anthony’s youngest daughter, Ava Beverly, is also a gifted singer, although she has yet to release music commercially. Anthony proudly shared in his interview with Cheron Moore that the singing gene had skipped him but had certainly passed on to his daughters. “Both of them sing like birds,” he said proudly.
Personal Life: Love and Family
Anthony Beverly has not only followed in his father’s musical footsteps but has also experienced a rich and fulfilling personal life. He was previously married to entertainment attorney Heather Nelson-Beverly, with whom he co-founded Brantera Music Group. Anthony is now married to Candy Beverly, with whom he shares a close and loving relationship. Candy often shares glimpses of their life together on social media, celebrating their love and dedication to each other.
In a heartfelt birthday message to Anthony in March 2023, Candy expressed her gratitude for their journey together, writing, “I’m so thankful that I get to journey with you through the rest of your life, and into eternity.”
Conclusion: A Legacy Continues
Anthony Beverly’s life and career are a testament to the lasting influence of his father, Frankie Beverly. As a talented musician and drummer, Anthony has not only upheld his father’s legacy but has also carved out a unique path of his own. From touring with Maze to producing tribute albums and watching his children pursue their musical dreams, Anthony Beverly continues to honor the family’s rich musical heritage.
While the world mourns the loss of Frankie Beverly, his spirit lives on through his son, Anthony, who carries the torch of soulful music and love for rhythm. The legacy of the Beverlys is far from over, as the next generation continues to contribute to the world of R&B.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Frankie Beverly’s son, Anthony Beverly? Anthony Beverly is the son of R&B legend Frankie Beverly. He is a talented musician and drummer who followed in his father’s footsteps by touring with Maze and producing music.
2. What musical contributions has Anthony Beverly made? Anthony Beverly co-produced Silky Soul Music… An All-Star Tribute to Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly in 2009 and has performed with artists such as Christopher Williams, Troop, and his father’s band, Maze.
3. Did Anthony Beverly tour with his father’s band, Maze? Yes, Anthony toured with Maze in his early 20s, describing the experience as a rigorous musical education, where he learned valuable lessons from his father.
4. What is Anthony Beverly’s relationship like with his father? Anthony has described his relationship with his father as “cool” and typical. While music played an important role, they shared a strong father-son bond beyond the stage.
5. Do Anthony Beverly’s children also pursue music? Yes, Anthony’s children, Tiera and Ava, are talented singers, while his son Brandon works in music management. Both daughters have pursued careers in the music industry, following their grandfather’s legacy.