- Frankie Beverly, Maze founder and soul icon, passes away at 77
- Legendary singer leaves behind a legacy of soulful hits and memories
- Family and fans mourn the loss of a music legend and his unforgettable voice
Frankie Beverly, the renowned soul singer best known for his work with Maze, has passed away at the age of 77, according to a statement from his family.
Beverly, celebrated for his timeless hits such as “Before I Let Go” and “Can’t Get Over You,” died on Tuesday. The cause of death has not been disclosed. His family shared the news on social media, describing his life as one filled with “pure soul.”
“Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience,” the family said in a statement. “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 us is one of healing, and your respect for our need for solitude is appreciated as we honour the memory of our beloved Howard Stanley Beverly, known to the world as Frankie Beverly.”
The family’s statement 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. Love one another as he would want that for us all.”
Frankie Beverly began his music career in the 1960s with the doo-wop group The Blenders before forming The Butlers. In 1970, he established Maze, initially named Raw Soul, in Philadelphia. The name change came at the suggestion of Marvin Gaye, who invited them to support him on tour.
Maze, with Beverly at the helm, released nine albums between 1977 and 1993, producing hits such as “Happy Feelings” and “While I’m Alone.”
In 2019, Beyoncé covered Beverly’s iconic track “Before I Let Go” on Homecoming: The Live Album. Beverly expressed his gratitude and admiration for the cover, telling Billboard it made him “feel bigger than ever.” He also noted, “She’s a great friend of mine, but I didn’t know she was going to do this,” calling it “one of the high points of [his] life.”
Frankie Beverly’s legacy endures through his influential music and the heartfelt tributes from fans and friends alike.
