Frankie Beverly of Maze dies at the age of 77

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Frankie Beverly, who, with his band Maze, inspired generations of fans with his soft, soulful voice and enduring anthems such as “Before I Let Go,” has died. He was 77.

His family said in a post on the band's website and social media accounts that Beverly died on Tuesday. In the post, which asked for privacy, the family said, “He lived his life with a pure soul as they would say and to us, no one did it better.” The post did not disclose the cause or place of death.

Beverly, whose songs include “Joy and Pain,” “Love is the Key” and “Southern Girl,” wrapped up his farewell tour, “I Wanna Thank You,” in his hometown of Philadelphia in July. That same month, he performed at the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans. a special tribute to Beverly and Maze, WHO ended the event for its first 15 years. His performances at the festival – the country's largest annual celebration of black culture – transformed the crowd into a sea of ​​dancing fans, many of whom wore white clothes like those Beverly herself often wore.

“Frankie Beverly's art was not just about sound; it was the thread that held together our shared memories and moments of joy,” festival organizers said in a statement. “His melodies will forever echo in our hearts and continue to inspire us.”

Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League and a former mayor of New Orleans, said Maze's 1981 album “Live In New Orleans” cemented the city's relationship with Beverly. Morial said he always sat in the front row at Maze's final show at the festival and remembers turning around and seeing a crowd that was “happy like a choir” and singing all the lyrics with Beverly.

“His music had feeling. It had positive themes like love, happiness, family and togetherness,” said Morial. “It was just electric and magical and that's what made us fall in love with him.”

Beverly's songs have become a staple of celebrations in black communities. The band's 1981 song “Before I Let Go,” which was covered by Beyoncé, can be heard everywhere from clubs to barbecues and is guaranteed to get people on their feet.

“When the song comes, it’s time to dance,” said Hakeem Holmes, vice president of the Essence Festival.

He said the band's music brings so much comfort and joy that it has a “healing aspect.” And, he said, songs like “We Are One” bring people together because everyone sings along.

In an interview published in Essence magazine this summer, Beverly described music as “the love of my life.” He said in the interview that he doesn't know exactly why his music appeals to all ages, but he believes “God has created a way for my music to reach every generation.”

Howard Stanley Beverly, born on December 6, 1946 in Philadelphia, was so impressed by the 1950s R&B group Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers that he changed his name to Frankie.

Maze started in Philadelphia in the early 1970s as Raw Soul before moving to the San Francisco Bay Area. It was Marvin Gaye who convinced him to change the band name to Maze and helped them release their first album, “Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly,” in 1977.

On the title track of his 1989 album “Silky Soul,” Beverly paid tribute to Gaye and remembered the singer who shaped the romantic soul and protest songs for which Maze was also known.

“That kind of belief, that's the hippie generation of the '60s,” Beverly told the Associated Press in 1990. “It's missing, and that's something I'm personally sorry about. We grew up in the '60s – we're ex-hippies.”

Among those mourning Beverly was Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who wrote on X: “His timeless music, powerful words and lasting impact. I am devastated to hear this.”

Sedrick T. Thomas, 64, of New Orleans, a lifelong fan of Beverly and his music, said Beverly's death “leaves a void in the world of R&B.”

“I am grieving,” said Thomas. “Frankie was a great entertainer who made sure we as fans went home with an incredible experience. I grew up with his music. I thank him for 'Joy and Pain,' for 'Southern Girl,' for 'Happy Feelin's,' and for 'Before I Let Go.' I thank him for the time and energy he put into his performances. And although the music will live on, he will be greatly missed.”

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Stengle reported from Dallas.