Frankie Beverly, the Maze singer who inspired generations of fans with lasting anthems, dies at 77
Frankie Beverly, the iconic lead singer of the band Maze, has passed away at the age of 77. His family confirmed the news in a statement on the band’s website and social media, noting that he lived with a “pure soul” and was a singular talent. The statement did not disclose his cause of death or where he passed.
Beverly, known for timeless hits like “Before I Let Go,” “Joy and Pain,” and “Love is the Key,” concluded his farewell “I Wanna Thank You Tour” in July in his hometown of Philadelphia. That same month, the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans honored him with a special tribute. The festival’s organizers described Beverly’s influence as more than just music; they called his artistry the “thread that stitched together our collective memories and moments of joy.”
Marc Morial, National Urban League president and former New Orleans mayor, said Maze’s 1981 album, *Live In New Orleans*, cemented Beverly’s deep connection with the city. Morial reminisced about Beverly’s annual closeout shows at the Essence Festival, where the audience sang along to every word, “joyful like a choir.”
Beverly’s music has become a staple in Black communities, especially the beloved anthem “Before I Let Go,” which Beyoncé later covered. Hakeem Holmes, vice president of the Essence Festival, said that the band's music brings a sense of healing and unity, often getting people to dance at gatherings.
In a recent interview with *Essence*, Beverly called music “the love of my life,” expressing gratitude for how his songs have connected with listeners across generations. He believed that “God made a path” for his music to resonate with so many.
Born Howard Stanley Beverly on December 6, 1946, in Philadelphia, he was inspired by the R&B group Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers and adopted the name Frankie. Maze began as Raw Soul in the early 1970s before moving to the San Francisco Bay Area, where Marvin Gaye encouraged the name change and helped them release their first album, *Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly*, in 1977.
Beverly's contributions to music have left a profound impact. Fans, including Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, have expressed their grief. Longtime supporter Sedrick T. Thomas described Beverly’s passing as leaving “a chasm in the world of R&B,” but added that his legacy will live on through his timeless music.
Frankie Beverly, the Maze singer who inspired generations of fans with lasting anthems, dies at 77
Frankie Beverly, the iconic lead singer of the band Maze, has passed away at the age of 77. His family confirmed the news in a statement on the band’s website and social media, noting that he lived with a “pure soul” and was a singular talent. The statement did not disclose his cause of death or where he passed.
Beverly, known for timeless hits like “Before I Let Go,” “Joy and Pain,” and “Love is the Key,” concluded his farewell “I Wanna Thank You Tour” in July in his hometown of Philadelphia. That same month, the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans honored him with a special tribute. The festival’s organizers described Beverly’s influence as more than just music; they called his artistry the “thread that stitched together our collective memories and moments of joy.”
Marc Morial, National Urban League president and former New Orleans mayor, said Maze’s 1981 album, *Live In New Orleans*, cemented Beverly’s deep connection with the city. Morial reminisced about Beverly’s annual closeout shows at the Essence Festival, where the audience sang along to every word, “joyful like a choir.”
Beverly’s music has become a staple in Black communities, especially the beloved anthem “Before I Let Go,” which Beyoncé later covered. Hakeem Holmes, vice president of the Essence Festival, said that the band's music brings a sense of healing and unity, often getting people to dance at gatherings.
In a recent interview with *Essence*, Beverly called music “the love of my life,” expressing gratitude for how his songs have connected with listeners across generations. He believed that “God made a path” for his music to resonate with so many.
Born Howard Stanley Beverly on December 6, 1946, in Philadelphia, he was inspired by the R&B group Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers and adopted the name Frankie. Maze began as Raw Soul in the early 1970s before moving to the San Francisco Bay Area, where Marvin Gaye encouraged the name change and helped them release their first album, *Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly*, in 1977.
Beverly's contributions to music have left a profound impact. Fans, including Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, have expressed their grief. Longtime supporter Sedrick T. Thomas described Beverly’s passing as leaving “a chasm in the world of R&B,” but added that his legacy will live on through his timeless music.
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