Family, friends, and fans are mourning the loss of legendary R&B singer Frankie Beverly, who passed away at the age of 77. Beverly, born Howard Stanley Beverly, was the founder of the iconic funk and soul band Maze. News of his passing was shared by his family in an Instagram post a day after his death.
“He lived his life with pure soul, and for us, no one did it better. His life was dedicated to his music, family, and friends,” the family expressed in their heartfelt message on September 11. They went on to describe the deeply personal and emotional experience of grieving, asking for privacy during this difficult time. “As we navigate through sorrow, reflection, and remembrance, we kindly ask for understanding and space to grieve in our own way,” the statement continued.
The family also expressed their wish to honor Beverly’s memory, encouraging fans to “love one another as he would have wanted.”
Frankie Beverly formed Maze, originally known as Raw Soul, in 1970. The group, which became known for their hits like “Joy and Pain” and the classic “Before I Let Go,” eventually toured as the opening act for soul legend Marvin Gaye. Maze went on to release nine certified Gold albums, building a devoted fan base over the years.
In 2019, Beyoncé famously covered “Before I Let Go” as a bonus track on her Homecoming: The Live Album, which was recorded during her groundbreaking 2018 Coachella performance. Beverly expressed his admiration for the Grammy winner’s rendition, telling Billboard, “She’s done so much, and this is one of the high points of my life.” He called Beyoncé a “great friend” and said he was “blown away” by her version of the song.
In recent weeks, Beverly had announced his retirement from music, introducing singer Tony Lindsay as Maze’s new frontman. His passing marks the end of a remarkable era in soul and R&B, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the music world.
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