Frankie Beverly, legendary soul singer and founder of Maze, dies at 77 – Essence

Frankie Beverly, the legendary R&B singer, songwriter and producer, died on September 10 at the age of 77. His family announced the news early Wednesday morning in an emotional post on the web site social media.

“Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience,” the excerpt reads. “As we navigate through feelings of sadness, reflection, and remembrance, we kindly ask for privacy and understanding, giving 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. He lived his life with a pure soul, as one might say, and for us, no one did it better. He lived for his music, his family, and his friends. Love each other, because he would have wanted that for all of us.”

Born Howard Stanley Beverly on December 6, 1946, in Philadelphia, Beverly had a profession spanning six many years, leaving an indelible mark on soul, funk, and R&B music. His journey began within the Nineteen Sixties with doo-wop band The Blenders, followed by regional success with The Butlers. But his real breakthrough got here when he formed Maze, originally called Raw Soul, within the early Nineteen Seventies.

Maze’s unique sound caught the eye of Marvin Gaye, who invited them to tour as support, giving Beverly their big break. In 1977, Maze released their self-titled debut album, which featured hits like “Happy Feelin’s” and “While I’m Alone.” Over the years, Maze has released iconic hits like “Joy and Pain,” “Before I Let Go,” and “I Can’t Get Over You.”

Beverly was a well-known face to the ESSENCE Festival crowd, wearing all-white stage outfits and pumping up the group along with his signature smooth vocals. He became a beloved fixture at the event, headlining the festival several times, thrilling fans with timeless songs and unforgettable performances.

In July, Beverly took his final bow at the ESSENCE Festival of Culture, where he was honored in a heartfelt tribute curated by Bryan-Michael Cox. With performances from stars like Anthony Hamilton and Tony (*77*), Beverly was honored for the many years of joy he delivered to fans.