Frankie Beverly, the Maze Singer Who Inspired Generations, Dies at 77

Frankie Beverly, the iconic singer who led the band Maze and captivated generations with his smooth, soulful voice and timeless hits like “Before I Let Go,” has passed away at the age of 77.

Beverly’s family shared the news of his death on the band’s website and social media, expressing their deep loss and asking for privacy. “He lived his life with a pure soul, as one would say, and for us, no one did it better,” they wrote. The announcement did not disclose his cause of death or the location where he died.

Known for hits such as “Joy and Pain,” “Love is the Key,” and “Southern Girl,” Beverly completed his farewell “I Wanna Thank You Tour” in July in his hometown of Philadelphia. The same month, the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans honored him and Maze with a special tribute. For the first 15 years of the festival, Beverly and Maze closed out the event, creating unforgettable moments as the audience, often dressed in white like Beverly, danced along to his soulful tunes.

The festival organizers celebrated his impact, stating, “Frankie Beverly’s artistry wasn’t just about sound; it was the very thread that stitched together our collective memories and moments of joy. His melodies will forever echo in our hearts and continue to inspire.”

Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League and former mayor of New Orleans, emphasized how Maze’s 1981 album “Live In New Orleans” solidified Beverly’s connection to the city. Recalling Beverly’s electrifying performances, Morial said, “His music had feeling. It had positive themes of love, happiness, family, and togetherness. It was just electrical and magical and it’s what made us fall in love with him.”

Beverly’s music has long been a staple at Black community celebrations. The band’s 1981 song “Before I Let Go,” famously covered by Beyoncé, remains a favorite at gatherings, from clubs to cookouts. “When the song comes on, it’s time to dance,” said Hakeem Holmes, vice president of the Essence Festival, describing the “healing aspect” of Beverly’s music, which brings people together through songs like “We Are One.”

In a recent interview with Essence magazine, Beverly reflected on his music, calling it “the love of my life.” He credited a higher power for the cross-generational appeal of his work, saying, “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 as Raw Soul in Philadelphia in the early 1970s before relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area. Encouraged by Marvin Gaye, they changed their name to Maze and released their first album, “Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly,” in 1977. Beverly paid tribute to Gaye in the title track of his 1989 album “Silky Soul,” remembering the singer who had been both a mentor and inspiration.

Reflecting on the music of the ’60s, Beverly told the Associated Press in 1990, “That kind of faith… it’s missing and I personally feel bad about that. We grew up in the ’60s — we’re ex-hippies.”

The loss of Beverly has been felt widely. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts shared his condolences on social media, praising Beverly’s “timeless music, powerful words, and lasting impact.”

Sedrick T. Thomas, a lifelong fan from New Orleans, expressed the depth of the loss: “Frankie was a great entertainer who made sure we, as fans, walked away with an incredible experience. I grew up on his music. I thank him for ‘Joy and Pain,’ for ‘Southern Girl,’ for ‘Happy Feelin’s,’ and for ‘Before I Let Go.’ And though the music will live on, he will be greatly missed.”