Frankie Beverly, soul singer and Maze founder, dies aged 77

Legendary R&B singer Frankie Beverly, who formed and fronted the Philadelphia funk/soul band Maze, has died aged 77.

Beverly died on Tuesday (September 10), his family told his fans in a statement posted on social media.

“Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience,” the message shared from the official account of Frankie Beverly and Maze said.

“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,” it continued. “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.”

The cause of Beverly’s death was not disclosed.

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Born Howard Beverly on December 6, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the singer-songwriter began his music career in the 1960s when he formed the doo-wop musical group The Blenders.

He later moved on and founded a soul group, The Butlers, which garnered some local success.

Then, in 1970, Beverly formed Raw Soul, which eventually rebranded to Maze after he relocated to San Francisco’s Bay Area.

Best known for their hits “Before I Let Go,” “Can’t Get Over You” and “Back in Stride,” the group, also referred to as Frankie Beverly and Maze or Maze featuring Frankie, went on to release multiple certified gold albums.

The group’s big break came when they caught the eye of Marvin Gaye, who invited them to open for him on tour. The following year, the band released their debut album, 1977’s Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, which included hits “Happy Feelin’s” and “While I’m Alone.”

In 2008, Maze was inducted into the Philadelphia Walk of Fame.

“We’ve made it this far because we love and respect ourselves and our fans. But, most importantly, we believe in what we do,” Beverly said in a statement at hte time of the inductions announcement.

This past summer, after a 50-year musical career, Beverly traveled on his farewell tour before concluding with his final performance at Dell Music Center in North Philadelphia, a venue he had played at for years.

Since news of Beverly’s death, tributes have begun pouring in from fans and fellow celebrities.

“Let’s celebrate the life and work of the great Frankie Beverly,” John Legend wrote on Instagram. “What I love about being an artist is that our work leaves a legacy that outlives our time on this Earth. Frankie has given the world such joy. His music will live on. It will always be part of our culture, an essential part of the soundtrack of our celebrations, cookouts, and family reunions. May he rest well.”

“This sad news coming today of all days is so unfair,” Community star Yvette Nicole Brown tweeted. “The melodious voice of #FrankieBeverly is the joy we deserve in this season of time as we dance our way into the Black BBQ of our lives… the inauguration of @KamalaHarris Rest well, kind sir! #RIPFrankieBeverly.”

“So glad that Frankie Beverly got to feel all the love across the country on his farewell tour this year,” the Washington Mystics deejay, DJ Heat wrote. “Rest easy, legend! Your music will continue to bring together families for generations to come!”

Singer-songwriter Kenyon Dixon added: “The Legend! You’ve inspired countless generations of SOUL, Love, Happiness & pure Black Joy. So grateful that we got a chance to give you your flowers and celebrate you while you were here. Thank you for the music. Because of it, you will live on forever.”