On September 10, 2024 the music industry mourned the loss of an iconic R&B figure, Frankie Beverly, who passed away at age 77. The news of Beverly’s death was announced by his family through a social media statement, signifying the end of an influential epoch in the genre of R&B music.
In their online statement, the family of Beverly communicated that he lived a life of pure soul, dedicating himself to his music, family, and friends. They stressed Beverly’s philosophy of spreading love and unity, reflecting his personal wishes for humanity.
Born Howard Stanley Beverly on December 6, 1946 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Beverly’s musical journey began in the church, where he started singing gospel music at a young age. His professional career in music started early as well, as he toured with the Silhouettes at the age of 12 before creating his own doo-wop groups.
The trajectory of Beverly’s music career took a significant change in 1970 when he formed the group Raw Soul, which eventually metamorphosed into Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. The band garnered attention after moving to San Francisco, California, in 1971, catching the eye of Marvin Gaye. Gaye not only invited them to open his tour but also proposed the name change to Maze featuring Frankie Beverly.
In the past, Beverly has spoken about the band’s unique position in the music industry. He expressed a longing for more recognition but recognized that the bond they had with their fans was more valuable. He indicated the band’s connection with their fan base resembled a special cult-like following, and that preserving this unique relationship was worth the wait for broader recognition.
1977 marked the release of the debut album by Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, marking the onset of a career spanning over half a century. The band is famed for hits such as “Back in Stride,” “Can’t Get Over You,” “Golden Time of Day,” and “Before I Let Go,” the latter gaining renewed popularity when covered by Beyoncé in her live album Homecoming.
The band Maze featuring Frankie Beverly enjoyed immense success on the R&B charts throughout their career, with 29 songs on the Billboard R&B singles chart, including nine in the Top 10. They also had 14 albums on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, with two reaching the No. 1 spot. Their consistent success, paired with their unique bond with their fans, secured their legacy in the annals of R&B music history.
The band’s infectious tunes, coupled with Beverly’s smooth baritone voice, have become staples at summer cookouts, family reunions, and social gatherings. The song “Before I Let Go,” in particular, is often played at these events and is sometimes referred to as an unofficial Black national anthem.
Beverly announced his retirement from music earlier this year and embarked on the “I Wanna Thank You” Farewell Tour, which ran from March to July. During this tour, he voiced his desire for the band to continue its musical legacy, with Tony Lindsay taking over as the lead vocalist. “I’m blessed that all of you know all of these songs,” Beverly told his audiences during his farewell performance in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 22, 2024.
Following the news of his death, tributes started pouring in from fans and fellow artists alike, reflecting Beverly’s significant influence on the music industry. Among those who expressed their condolences were Philadelphia native Patti LaBelle, basketball Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who shared their memories of the influential singer.
