NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Frankie Beverly, the acclaimed singer and frontman of Maze, known for his smooth and soulful voice and timeless hits like “Before I Let Go,” has passed away at the age of 77.
The Beverly family confirmed his death in a post on the band’s website and social media on Tuesday, asking for privacy during this time. The family described Beverly as having lived “with a pure soul” and said, “for us, no one did it better.” The cause of death and the location remain undisclosed.
Beverly, celebrated for hits such as “Joy and Pain,” “Love is the Key,” and “Southern Girl,” concluded his farewell “I Wanna Thank You Tour” in his hometown of Philadelphia in July. That same month, a special tribute to Beverly and Maze was held at the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans, an event Maze had been a signature part of for 15 years. The festival, the largest annual celebration of Black culture in the U.S., often featured crowds swaying to Beverly’s music, with many fans dressed in white, mirroring Beverly's signature look.
The festival organizers paid tribute to Beverly, 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, former mayor of New Orleans and president of the National Urban League, recalled how Maze’s 1981 album “Live In New Orleans” solidified Beverly’s connection to the city. Morial fondly remembered the festival’s closing show, where the audience, filled with joy, sang along with Beverly.
“His music was full of emotion, positive themes of love, happiness, family, and unity,” Morial said. “It was electrifying and magical, and it’s what made us fall in love with him.”
Beverly’s songs have become a staple at celebrations in Black communities. The band’s 1981 hit “Before I Let Go,” famously covered by Beyoncé, is a popular track at gatherings, from clubs to cookouts.
Hakeem Holmes, vice president of the Essence Festival, remarked on the comforting and joyful nature of Beverly’s music, noting its “healing aspect” and its power to unite people.
In a summer interview with Essence magazine, Beverly expressed his deep love for music, attributing his broad appeal across generations to a divine path. “God made a path for my music to reach each generation,” he said.
Born Howard Stanley Beverly on December 6, 1946, in Philadelphia, Beverly was inspired by the 1950s R&B group Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers, leading him to adopt the name Frankie. Maze, initially known as Raw Soul, was founded in Philadelphia in the early 1970s before relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area. With the help of Marvin Gaye, who also influenced their music, the band released their debut album, “Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly,” in 1977.
Beverly honored Gaye on his 1989 album “Silky Soul,” reflecting on the changes in music and society since the 1960s.
Among those mourning Beverly is Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who expressed his grief on X, acknowledging Beverly’s “timeless music” and profound impact.
New Orleans resident Sedrick T. Thomas, 64, a lifelong fan, described Beverly’s passing as a significant loss to the R&B world. “I thank him for ‘Joy and Pain,’ ‘Southern Girl,’ ‘Happy Feelin’s,’ and ‘Before I Let Go,’” Thomas said. “Though the music will live on, he will be greatly missed.”
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