Frankie Beverly, the iconic soul singer, songwriter, and producer, has died at the age of 77, his family confirmed on social media Wednesday.
“Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience,” his family wrote on Facebook. “During this time, as we are navigating feelings of sorrow, reflection, and remembrance we kindly ask for privacy and understanding, allowing us the space to grieve in our own way. This period for is one of healing, and your respect for our need for solitude is appreciated as we honor the memory of our beloved Howard Stanley Beverly known to the world as Frankie Beverly.”
“He lived his life with pure soul as one would say, and for us, no one did it better. He lived for his music, family and friends. Love one another as he would want that for us all,” the post concluded.
Born Howard Beverly in 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he was an influential American soul singer, songwriter, and producer. Best known as the frontman for the band Maze, Beverly was pivotal in shaping the sound of soul and R&B music from the 1970s onward.
He began his music career in the early ’60s, initially forming The Blenders, a doo-wop group that later transitioned into The Butlers. This was marked by a series of singles that saw limited success but helped to refine his musical style. In 1970, his group underwent another transformation, emerging as Raw Soul, which caught the attention of Marvin Gaye. Gaye invited them to be his opening act, significantly raising their profile.
It was Gaye’s suggestion that prompted Beverly to change the band’s name to Maze. Under Beverly’s leadership, Maze signed with Capitol Records and released their debut album “Maze featuring Frankie Beverly” in 1977. The album was a hit, featuring timeless tracks like “While I’m Alone” and “Lady of Magic,” and it solidified their unique sound, blending smooth soul melodies with a touch of funk.
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Frankie Beverly, the frontman of Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly has passed away at 77. The true embodiment of soul and funk, Frankie’s career spans six decades, bringing us iconic hits like “Before I Let Go,” “Happy Feelings,” “Joy and Pain,” and much more. His distinctive vocals… pic.twitter.com/rXyHnTo4pn
— Soul Era Records | The RNB Underground (@soulerarecords) September 11, 2024
Maze’s music was distinguished by Beverly’s smooth, distinctive voice and the band’s ability to create a groove that resonated deeply with their audience. They became renowned for hits like “Joy and Pain” and “Before I Let Go,” the latter of which would become an enduring anthem, especially within the African American community.
Throughout the 80s and 90s, Maze continued to release successful albums and maintained a strong following through rigorous touring. Unlike many of their contemporaries, Maze never had a Billboard number-one hit, yet their influence and the loyalty of their fan base were both undeniable. Their music was characterized by a consistency of theme and quality, often addressing themes of love, inspiration, and perseverance.
Beverly’s approach to the music industry was somewhat unconventional; he maintained creative control and stayed with a single record label throughout most of Maze’s career. This strategy allowed him to produce music that was true to his vision and to develop a direct connection with his audience, typically eschewing trends in favor of authenticity.
Despite never winning a Grammy Award, Beverly’s contributions to music have been recognized with several awards and accolades. He and Maze are often cited as influential figures by a range of artists across various genres.
