Frankie Beverly, the beloved lead vocalist and founder of the iconic band Maze, has died at the age of 77.
His family confirmed his death on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, in a heartfelt statement, asking for privacy during this time of mourning.
However, the cause of his death wasn't disclosed. "Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience," Beverly's family said in the statement. "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. "This period for is one of healing, and your respect for our need for solitude is appreciated as we honour the memory of our beloved Howard Stanley Beverly known to the world as Frankie Beverly. "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.
Love one another as he would want that for us all," the family added.Beverly, known for his smooth and soulful voice, was the creator of timeless hits such as "Before I Let Go," "Joy and Pain," and "We Are One," songs that have remained cultural anthems for generations.Born Howard Stanley Beverly on December 6, 1946, in Philadelphia, he began his musical journey singing gospel before forming the group Maze in the 1970s.
The band became known for their unique fusion of soul, funk, and R&B, earning them numerous hits and a lasting place in Black culture, especially with their electrifying live performances.
Beverly's music transcended age and race, bringing people together at celebrations, weddings, and family gatherings.
His songs, like "Before I Let Go," have been woven into the fabric of community life, from cookouts to major cultural festivals like the Essence Festival of Culture, where Maze was a mainstay for years.
As the music world mourns the loss of this legend, his legacy continues to live on through the joy, unity, and love his music has inspired across the decades.