Maze frontman Frankie Beverly dies aged 77

Maze frontman Frankie Beverly has died at the age of 77.
On Wednesday, the family of the soul and funk band’s founder and frontman confirmed in a Facebook post that he had died on Tuesday.
They did not disclose the cause of death.
“Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience,” the statement read. “During this time, as we are navigating feelings of sorrow, reflection, and remembrance we kindly ask for privacy and understanding, allowing us the space to grieve in our own way.”
They continued, “This period for is one of healing, and your respect for our need for solitude is appreciated as we honor the memory of our beloved Howard Stanley Beverly known to the world as Frankie Beverly.”
The musician’s family went on to say that Beverly “lived for his music, family and friends”.
“He lived his life with pure soul as one would say, and for us, no one did it better. He lived for his music, family and friends,” they wrote. “Love one another as he would want that for us all. Howard Stanley Beverly aka Frankie Beverly; 12/6/46 – 9/10/24.”
Beverly’s death comes just months after he embarked on his I Wanna Thank You Farewell Tour, which began in Atlanta on 22 March and ended in Philadelphia on 6 July.
The singer-songwriter and producer released a number of No. 1 singles during his decades-long career, including 1982’s Before I Let Go. The song was later covered by Beyoncé and appeared as a bonus track on her Homecoming: The Live Album.
The musician is survived by his son, Anthony Beverly.