Frankie Beverly, the iconic singer of Maze who touched the hearts of generations with his timeless anthems, has passed away at the age of 77.

 

Frankie Beverly, the influential frontman of Maze, whose smooth and soulful voice inspired generations with timeless anthems like “Before I Let Go,” has passed away at the age of 77.

His family announced his death in a post shared on the band’s website and social media, revealing that he died on Tuesday. The family requested privacy and expressed that “he lived his life with a pure soul, as one would say, and for us, no one did it better.” The statement did not provide details about the cause of death or his location at the time.

Beverly was known for hit songs such as “Joy and Pain,” “Love is the Key,” and “Southern Girl.” He recently completed his farewell “I Wanna Thank You Tour,” wrapping up in his hometown of Philadelphia in July. That same month, the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans honored Beverly and Maze with a special tribute, as the group had headlined the festival for its first 15 years. His performances turned the audience into a vibrant sea of dancers, many dressed in white—a signature look often worn by Beverly himself.

“Frankie Beverly’s artistry transcended mere sound; it wove together the fabric of our shared memories and joyful moments,” the festival’s organizers stated. “His melodies will forever resonate in our hearts, continuing to inspire us.”

Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League and a former mayor of New Orleans, shared that Maze’s 1981 album “Live In New Orleans” solidified the city’s bond with Beverly. Morial recalled sitting in the front row for Maze’s closing performance at the festival, where he turned around to see a crowd that was “joyful like a choir,” singing every word alongside Beverly.

“His music was filled with emotion, carrying positive messages of love, happiness, family, and unity,” Morial noted. “It was simply electric and magical, and that’s what made us fall in love with him.”

Beverly’s music has become a staple in celebrations within Black communities. The band’s 1981 hit “Before I Let Go,” famously covered by Beyoncé, resonates in venues from clubs to cookouts, guaranteed to get people dancing.

“When that song plays, it’s time to dance,” said Hakeem Holmes, vice president of the Essence Festival.

Holmes noted that the band’s music brings immense comfort and joy, possessing a “healing aspect.” He added that songs like “We Are One” unite people as they sing along together.

In a summer interview with Essence magazine, Beverly described music as “the love of my life.” He expressed uncertainty about why his music resonates with all ages but believed that “God made a path for my music to reach each generation.”

Born Howard Stanley Beverly on December 6, 1946, in Philadelphia, he was so inspired by the 1950s R&B group Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers that he adopted the name Frankie.

Maze began in Philadelphia in the early 1970s under the name Raw Soul before relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area. It was Marvin Gaye who encouraged them to change their name to Maze and assisted in the release of their debut album, “Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly,” in 1977.

On the title track of his 1989 album “Silky Soul,” Beverly paid homage to Marvin Gaye, reflecting on the singer's legacy of romantic soul and protest songs that Maze also embraced.

“That kind of faith, you’re talking ’60s, hippie generation,” Beverly told The Associated Press in 1990. “It’s missing, and I personally feel bad about that. We grew up in the ’60s — we’re ex-hippies.”

Among those mourning Beverly was Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who expressed on X: “His timeless music, his powerful words, and his lasting impact. I’m devastated to hear about this one.”

Sedrick T. Thomas, 64, a lifelong fan from New Orleans, remarked that Beverly’s passing “leaves a chasm in the world of R&B.”

“I feel myself in mourning,” Thomas said. “Frankie was a phenomenal entertainer who ensured we, as fans, left with an unforgettable experience. I grew up on his music. I’m grateful for ‘Joy and Pain,’ ‘Southern Girl,’ ‘Happy Feelin’s,’ and ‘Before I Let Go.’ I appreciate the time and energy he dedicated to his performances. While his music will endure, he will be deeply missed.”