Frankie Beverly, the renowned soul singer and founder of the famous R&B band Maze, has passed away at the age of 77. The heartbreaking announcement came from his family, who shared the news via social media.
According to the heartfelt statement, Beverly, whose real name was Howard Stanley Beverly, died on September 10. The family requested privacy as they navigate this deeply personal loss, stating, "We honor the memory of our beloved Howard Stanley Beverly known to the world as Frankie Beverly,” highlighting his love for music, family, and friends.
Beverly’s musical career began early, with his roots planted firmly in the vibrant Philadelphia scene. He grew up singing gospel music at his local church and formed his first doo-wop group, The Silhouettes, when he was just 12. Later on, he created The Blenders, showcasing his talent and passion for music.
Throughout the late 1960s, Beverly linked up with several groups, eventually forming Raw Soul. This band would go through some significant changes after Marvin Gaye took interest, becoming their opening act and advising them on the name change to Maze.
Maze made their debut with the self-titled album released in 1977, which featured hits like “Happy Feelin’s” and “Golden Time of Day.” The band’s unique blend of soul and funk struck the right chord with fans, leading to numerous successful albums during the 70s and 90s.
Over the decades, fans embraced hits like “Joy and Pain” and “Before I Let Go.” Beverly described the timeless appeal of “Before I Let Go,” which many now associate with family gatherings and community events. Reflecting on the song, he mentioned, "I just thought it was a great little song, but I never thought it’d be all this. It really changed everything for me.”
His music reached beyond just radio waves; it became deeply woven within the fabric of family reunions, barbecues, and celebrations, often likened to being part of Black culture. The lyrics carried messages of love and unity, with rhythmic grooves igniting people's spirits.
The band continued to grow, with live performances being the cornerstone of their appeal. Beverly often expressed how much he loved performing live, emphasizing, "I think mostly they like what they see live.” This passion culminated this year, when Maze embarked on their “I Wanna Thank You Farewell Tour.” Despite previous hints at retirement, the tour was filled with energy and joy from fans, solidifying Beverly's legacy.
The tour saw Beverly championing upcoming artists, allowing them to experience the spotlight alongside him. He noted, "Thank you so much for the support over 50 years as I pass on the lead vocalist torch to Tony Lindsay. The band will continue on as Maze Honoring Frankie Beverly. It’s been a great ride through the decades.”
Even with his passing, Beverly’s presence remains alive through his music. Many fans and fellow musicians honored him after the announcement of his passing. Notably, musician Jalen Hurts shared his devastation and expressed gratitude for Beverly’s impact on music and culture: "His timeless music, his powerful words and his lasting impact. His legacy will live on forever.”
Celebrated peers such as Questlove, from The Roots, and Patti LaBelle extended their condolences on social media, reminiscing about Beverly’s warm spirit and the significance of his music.
This year also saw significant acknowledgment of Beverly’s contributions, including the renaming of Norwood Street to Frankie Beverly Way, paying homage to his musical influence on the local Philadelphia community.
While the specific cause of his passing wasn’t disclosed, the overwhelming sentiment shared by fans, family, and the music community encapsulates the loss of not only a brilliant musician but also a beloved figure who dedicated his life to uplifting others through his art.
Beverly’s music encapsulates the essence of joy, pain, and love, qualities integral to life, ensuring his legacy will resonate for generations to come.
