Legendary singer Frankie Beverly dies at the age of 77

ATLANTA – Legendary R&B singer Frankie Beverly has died at the age of 77, his family announced on his Instagram page.

The announcement was made on September 11 at approximately 8:00 a.m. According to the post, Beverly, whose real name is Howard Stanley Beverly, died on September 10.

The family has not released any details about his death and asks for privacy and understanding during the healing process.

Beverly was an American singer, songwriter and producer, best known as the founder and frontman of the R&B band Maze.

Beverly was born on December 6, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His musical career began in the 1960s with his doo-wop group The Blenders. He later formed a soul group called The Butlers, which enjoyed some regional success.

In the early 1970s, Beverly moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and formed Maze. The band's big break came when Marvin Gaye, a fan of Beverly's sound, invited them to open for a tour. In 1977, Maze released their debut album, Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly, which included the hits “Happy Feelin's” and “While I'm Alone.”

Known for her smooth blend of soul, funk and R&B, Maze became a fixture on the '70s and '80s music scene, producing classic songs such as “Joy and Pain,” “Before I Let Go” and “Golden Time of Day.”

In 2009, his son Anthony organized a tribute album for his father called “Silky Soul Music… an All-Star Tribute to Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly.” Artists who appeared on the album included Mary J. Blige, Kenneth Brian Edmonds (Babyface), and Mint Condition.

After 50 years of performances and shows, the legendary artist gave his last concert in Philadelphia at the Dell Music Center in North Philadelphia, where Beverly had performed for decades.

Beverly's distinctive style, with his smooth vocals and sophisticated musicianship, has earned him a loyal fan base that continues to grow. Although they never achieved great commercial success, Frankie Beverly and Maze remain icons of classic soul music, known for their live performances and timeless hits.

Tributes for the singer are increasingly pouring in on social media.