Frankie Beverly, R&B singer and Philadelphia native, dies at 77, family announces

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Frankie Beverly, the legendary R&B singer and Philadelphia native, has died. He was 77 years old.

His family shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram on Tuesday morning.

According to the post, Beverly, whose real name is Howard Stanley Beverly, died on Monday, September 10.

“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,” the post said.

The family has not released any details about Beverly's death and asked for privacy during this difficult time.

Beverly began playing music at an early age, performing as a soloist in church while growing up in Philadelphia's East Germantown neighborhood. As a teenager, he sang with an ensemble called The Silhouettes before forming his own doo-wop group, The Blenders.

In 1970, he formed the group Raw Soul in Philadelphia, later known as Frankie Beverly and Maze. Beverly then moved to San Francisco, where, according to Beverly's website, he worked with legend Marvin Gaye.

“The Motown maestro took the group under his wing and it was Gaye who suggested a name change. Frankie Beverly and Maze was born,” the website states.

Beverly was the lead singer, songwriter, producer and founder of the band Frankie Beverly and Maze.

In May, Beverly, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, City Councilwoman Cindy Bass and community members met to Street dedication of “Frankie Beverly Way” in East Germantown.

“This is for someone who has made a significant contribution to the lives of Philadelphians,” Bass said during the dedication. “Anyone who knows music knows that Philadelphia is a music city, and Frankie has made such a contribution.”

Frankie Beverly and Maze's music became a staple in the black community. With songs like “Before I Let Go,” “Joy and Pain,” and “Happy Feelin',” their sound and soulful style became the soundtrack to barbecues, family gatherings, and for some, the electric slide.

Beverly’s masterpiece “Before I Let Go” was covered by Beyoncé in her live album “Homecoming” in 2019.

Beverly and his band just finished their “I Wanna Thank You Farewell Tour” earlier this summer. His last performances were at the Dell Music Center in North Philadelphia. Beverly was joined on stage by Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who greeted him with a bouquet of flowers.

Hurts, known for his old-school taste in music, released a statement on X about Beverly's death: “His timeless music, his powerful words and his lasting impact. I am devastated to hear this. My prayers are with the Beverly family and the many Frankie fans around the world! His legacy will live on forever. Rest in peace my friend. Long live Frankie.”

His Philadelphia colleague Questlove of The Roots posted an Instagram story in honor of the late music legend.

Philadelphia native Patti LaBelle also paid tribute to Beverly with an Instagram account showing Beverly at one of her performances.

“I love you Frankie! Thank you for always helping us! Rest in love and peace!” LaBelle's post read.

Earvin “Magic” Johnson, a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, also went to X to talk about how important the music legend was to him and his wife.

Philadelphia radio DJ Patty Jackson said Beverly's legacy extends to music, and she particularly praised the lyrics of Beverly's songs.

“His music touched me. When he wrote 'Joy and Pain,' you had to think of the lyrics: 'You're going to have joy. You're going to have pain. You're going to have sunshine. You're going to have rain,' and that's life,” Jackson said. “He was a great artist who proved he didn't have to win all the big awards. It's a damn shame he never won a Grammy.”