Music icon Frankie Beverly dies at the age of 77

Music icon Frankie Beverly has died at the age of 77. His family released an official statement on Instagram.

FROM THE FAMILY OF FRANKIE BEVERLY

Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience. During this time as we grapple with feelings of grief, reflection, and remembrance, we politely ask for privacy and understanding so that we have the space to grieve in our own ways. This time is a time 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 you would say, and for us, no one did it better. He lived for his music, his family and his friends.

Love one another as he would want us all to love you.

Howard Stanley Beverly aka Frankie Beverly

6.12.46 – 10.9.24

The Beverly Family

Frankie Beverly, known as the charismatic frontman, singer, songwriter and producer of the band Maze, has created a lasting legacy in R&B and soul music. Beverly was born on December 6, 1946 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His road to musical fame began in the vibrant 1960s, when he first delved into the world of doo-wop and soul with local groups.

In his early years, he performed with The Blenders, a local doo-wop ensemble. He later formed The Butlers and gained modest recognition in soul music circles. However, the formation of Raw Soul in the early 1970s marked a turning point in Beverly's career. The band's distinctive sound caught the attention of Motown legend Marvin Gaye, who became their mentor and suggested renaming the group Maze. Under this new name and under Gaye's mentorship, Maze formed with Frankie Beverly and moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, where they refined their sound and grew their fan base.

Maze's eponymous debut album, Maze with Frankie Beverlyreleased in 1977, signaled their emergence as a formidable force in soul music. Songs like “Happy Feelin's” and “While I'm Alone” helped cement their status. The band continued to flourish in the late 1970s and 1980s, releasing successful albums such as Golden Daytime (1978), Joy and Pain (1980) and We Are One (1983). Iconic tracks like “Joy and Pain,” “Before I Let Go,” and “Southern Girl” became timeless, blending elements of soul, funk, and R&B and cementing the band’s distinctive sound.

Known for his smooth, soulful vocals, Beverly built a loyal fan base along with Maze's impeccable musicianship. Their dynamic live performances became legendary, a signature aspect of their career that fans appreciated. Although Maze featuring Frankie Beverly never achieved major commercial success or numerous awards, their band was praised for its unwavering quality and enduring appeal.