On September 10, 2024, Frankie Beverly, a renowned soul and R&B singer, songwriter, and founder of the band Maze, died at age 77. His family announced his death via a statement on social media, signaling a significant loss in the R&B music world.
According to the family statement, Beverly led a life of authenticity, dedicating his time and energy to music, family, and friends. The family highlighted the value of love and unity, reflecting Beverly’s own beliefs.
Beverly, born Howard Stanley Beverly on December 6, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, began his musical career in a church, singing gospel music. At 12, he started touring with the Silhouettes and later formed his own doo-wop groups.
His career took a major leap in 1970 when he formed the group Raw Soul. After moving to San Francisco, California, in 1971, they caught the eye of Marvin Gaye, who invited them to open his tour and suggested the name change to Maze featuring Frankie Beverly.
In a previous interview, Beverly discussed Maze’s unique position in the music industry. He expressed an aspiration for greater recognition but acknowledged that preserving their special relationship with their fans was paramount.
Their debut album, released in 1977, marked the inception of a career that would span more than five decades. Maze featuring Frankie Beverly became famous for hits such as “Back in Stride,” “Can’t Get Over You,” “Golden Time of Day,” and “Before I Let Go,” which gained renewed fame when covered by Beyoncé on her Homecoming live album.
Throughout their tenure, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly saw significant success on the R&B charts, with 29 songs on the Billboard R&B singles chart, nine of which reached the Top 10. They also had 14 albums on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, two of which reached No. 1. This consistent chart performance, along with their unique rapport with their audience, cemented their legacy in R&B music.
The band’s melodic tunes, driven by Beverly’s smooth baritone voice, became synonymous with family gatherings and social events. The song “Before I Let Go” is often played at such gatherings and is frequently referred to as an unofficial Black national anthem.
Earlier in the year, Beverly announced his retirement from music and launched the “I Wanna Thank You” Farewell Tour, which ran from March to July. He expressed his wish for the band and its music to continue in his absence, nominating Tony Lindsay as the new lead vocalist. “I’m blessed that all of you know all of these songs,” Beverly stated during his farewell performance in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 22, 2024.
Following the announcement of his passing, Beverly’s influence on the music industry and his impact on fans and fellow artists were evident in the tributes that flooded in. Notable figures such as Philadelphia native Patti LaBelle, basketball Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts shared their condolences and memories of the legendary singer.