The music world is mourning the loss of Howard Stanley "Frankie" Beverly, the pivotal figure behind the legendary soul and funk band Maze. The influential singer, songwriter, and producer passed away Tuesday morning at the age of 77, as confirmed by a heartfelt social media post by his family. The announcement did not reveal the cause of death but paid tribute to Beverly’s lifetime commitment to artistry, stating, “He lived his life with pure soul as one would say, and for us, no one did it better,” according to Live 5 news
During their prolific career, Maze, a band that originated in the 1970s, became synonymous with Beverly's soulful voice and signature sound, delivering a string of hits that resonated across generations they're responsible for classics like “Happy Feelings,” “Golden Time of Day,” and the ever-popular “Before I Let Go.” Beverly’s hometown of Philadelphia recently honored his musical legacy by renaming a street “Frankie Beverly Way,” a poignant nod to his influential role in the city's rich musical history, the family statement on Instagram highlighted this tribute.
The band which was originally called Raw Soul, found its rhythm in Philadelphia and eventually rebranded as Maze featuring Frankie Beverly in the mid-70s after a fateful meeting with Marvin Gaye, who also encouraged Beverly to change the band's name. Maze's discography spans multiple gold albums and several number one hits in the R&B charts, showcasing Beverly's commitment to his craft and the impact of his music on the industry. In recognition of their significant contribution to music, Billboard reported that Maze produced nine gold albums between 1977 and 1993, according to Vulture’s reflection on Beverly's career.
Maze continued to celebrate their unique sound even after Beverly's departure, now performing under the name Maze Honoring Frankie Beverly. Beyoncé's cover of Maze’s hit “Before I Let Go,” included in her live album "Homecoming," illustrates the enduring appeal of Beverly's music, and the earlier this year, the "I Wanna Thank You" farewell tour marked a fitting end to Beverly's era of live performances, taking him from Atlanta to Los Angeles for one last groove with his fans. Fans and fellow musicians alike are expressing their deep appreciation for the man who brought so much joy through his music, which will undoubtedly continue to resonate and inspire for years to come, a legacy truly built upon a foundation of funky beats and heartfelt lyrics that had captured ears and hearts alike, linking past and future with an unmistakable groove.
