Frankie Beverly, the singer-songwriter best known as the lead singer of the R&B, soul and funk group Maze, has died. His family made the news this morning, revealing that the baritone singer died yesterday (September 10). Cause of death not announced. Frankie Beverly was 77 years old.
“Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience,” Beverly's family wrote. “During this time, as we go through feelings of grief, reflection and remembrance, we kindly ask for privacy and understanding, allowing us the space to grieve in our own way. This is a time 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 family continued, “He lived his life with a pure soul so to speak, and for us no one did it better. He lived for his music, family and friends. Love one another as He would have us all.”
Frankie Beverly's music on Maze has served as inspiration for artists drawn to his voice. Hits like “Back in Stride,” “Can't Get Over You” and “Golden Time of Day” earned Maze a legion of fans, while other standout singles showcased Beverly's smooth banter. The famous, fan favorite “Before I Let Go” was covered by Beyoncé on her live album Back home.
Born Howard Stanley Beverly in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1946, he was first drawn to music as a church student, singing gospel music in the pews and forming an a cappella doo-wop band with friends at school. Beverly recorded his first official songs in 1963, when he was just 17 years old, as a member of the Butlers. Four years later, their show That's What You Wanted caught the ear of producer Kenny Gamble, who took the group on board and helped release more Butlers material. The Butlers moved to California so their sound could find a more suitable audience and renamed themselves Raw Soul.
In 1971, Marvin Gaye became aware of Raw Soul and invited them to open his tour. Gaye suggested they change their name once again, this time to Frankie Beverly and Maze. In 1976, Maze signed to Capitol Records and released their debut album. Labyrinth with Frankie Beverlynext year. Maze went on to release eight more studio albums, including R&B chart toppers I can't stop the lovein 1985, and Silky Soulin 1989. The band's last studio album was in 1993 Back to Basics.
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