Renowned soul and R&B artist Frankie Beverly, best known as the founder and frontman of the band Maze, passed away at age 77 on September 10, 2024. His family announced his death via a social media statement, signifying the closure of a significant chapter in R&B music.
Through the announcement, Beverly’s family conveyed that he lived a life imbued with a pure soul, dedicating himself to music, family, and friends. They urged the importance of love and unity, a sentiment that Beverly would have endorsed.
Born Howard Stanley Beverly on December 6, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Beverly’s musical journey began in his church, singing gospel music. His professional musical career started at a young age, touring with the Silhouettes at age 12 before forming his own doo-wop groups.
In 1970, Beverly’s career experienced a significant shift when he established the group Raw Soul. The band garnered attention after relocating to San Francisco, California in 1971, catching the eye of Marvin Gaye. Gaye invited them to be the opening act on his tour and suggested the name change to Maze featuring Frankie Beverly.
Beverly once shared his thoughts on the band’s unique position in the music industry. While he expressed a desire for broader recognition, he acknowledged the importance of their special bond with their fans. He described the relationship with their fans as akin to being part of a unique, almost cult-like following, and believed that preserving this dynamic was worth the wait for wider recognition.
The band Maze featuring Frankie Beverly released their debut album in 1977, marking the start of a prolific career spanning more than five decades. The band became famous for hits like “Back in Stride,” “Can’t Get Over You,” “Golden Time of Day,” and the popular “Before I Let Go,” which gained renewed attention when Beyoncé included it in her live album Homecoming.
Throughout their journey, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly achieved remarkable success on the R&B charts, boasting 29 songs on the Billboard R&B singles chart, nine of which made the Top 10. Additionally, they had 14 albums on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, with two reaching No. 1. Their consistent chart success, along with their unique bond with their audience, solidified their legacy in R&B history.
Beverly’s distinctive baritone voice, combined with the band’s catchy tunes, became a staple at numerous summer barbecues, family reunions, and social events. The song “Before I Let Go,” in particular, has become a familiar anthem at these gatherings, often referred to as an informal Black national anthem.
Earlier in the year, Beverly announced his retirement from music, initiating the “I Wanna Thank You” Farewell Tour, which lasted from March to July. During the tour, he expressed his wish for the band’s music to live on, passing the lead singer role to Tony Lindsay. “I’m blessed that all of you know all of these songs,” Beverly said to the audience during his farewell performance in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 22, 2024.
The news of Beverly’s passing brought forth a flood of tributes from fans and fellow artists, underlining his profound influence on the music industry. Philadelphia-born Patti LaBelle, basketball star Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts were among those who shared their condolences and recollections of the legendary singer.
