Frankie Beverly, the legendary singer-songwriter known for leading the iconic R&B, soul, and funk band Maze, has passed away at the age of 77. His family announced the heartbreaking news today, revealing that the beloved baritone vocalist breathed his last on September 10. The cause of his death has not been disclosed.
Remembering Frankie Beverly
“Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional journey,” expressed Beverly’s family in a heartfelt statement. “During this challenging time of sorrow and reflection, we humbly request privacy and understanding as we mourn in our own way. This period is one of healing, and we appreciate your respect for our need for solitude as we honor the memory of our dear Howard Stanley Beverly, known to the world as Frankie Beverly.”
The family further shared, “He lived his life with a pure soul, and no one did it better than him. His passion for music, family, and friends was unparalleled. Let us all continue to love one another as he would have wanted.”
Legacy of Frankie Beverly
Frankie Beverly’s music with Maze has been a source of inspiration for countless artists drawn to his soulful voice. Hits like “Back in Stride,” “Can’t Get Over You,” and “Golden Time of Day” have garnered Maze a dedicated fan base, while his smooth crooning on other standout singles has left a lasting impact. Notably, Beyoncé covered the fan-favorite “Before I Let Go” on her live album Homecoming, paying tribute to Beverly’s timeless artistry.
Born as Howard Stanley Beverly in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1946, Frankie Beverly’s musical journey began in his school days, singing gospel music in church and forming an a cappella doo-wop group with friends. At the age of 17, he recorded his first official songs in 1963 as part of the Butlers. The group’s soul classic “That’s What You Wanted” caught the attention of producer Kenny Gamble, leading to more releases under the Butlers’ name. Eventually, the group relocated to California, rebranded as Raw Soul, to find a more receptive audience.
The Rise of Frankie Beverly and Maze
In 1971, Marvin Gaye discovered Raw Soul and invited them to open for his tour, suggesting they adopt the name Frankie Beverly and Maze. The band signed with Capitol Records in 1976 and released their debut album, “Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly,” the following year. Over the years, Maze delivered eight more studio albums, including chart-toppers like “Can’t Stop the Love” in 1985 and “Silky Soul” in 1989. Their final studio album, “Back to Basics,” was released in 1993.
Conclusion
Frankie Beverly’s musical legacy with Maze will forever resonate with fans and aspiring artists alike. His soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics have left an indelible mark on the world of R&B, soul, and funk music. As we mourn the loss of a true music icon, let us celebrate his life and the timeless music he gifted us.
FAQs
Q: What was Frankie Beverly’s real name?
A: Frankie Beverly was born as Howard Stanley Beverly in 1946.
Q: What were some of Maze’s popular hits?
A: Maze, fronted by Frankie Beverly, produced hits like “Back in Stride,” “Can’t Get Over You,” and “Golden Time of Day.”
Q: Which artist covered Maze’s “Before I Let Go”?
A: Beyoncé covered Maze’s fan-favorite “Before I Let Go” on her live album Homecoming, paying homage to Frankie Beverly’s musical legacy.
Credit: pitchfork.com
