Frankie Beverly was known for his timeless hits like “Before I Let Go,” “Joy and Pain,” and “Southern Girl.”
Frankie Beverly, the soulful voice behind Maze and an icon in the music world, has passed away at the age of 77. His family confirmed the news through a heartfelt post on the band’s website and social media, noting his peaceful nature and legacy. The statement did not reveal the cause or location of his passing, but asked for privacy during this time of grief.
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Beverly was known for his timeless hits like “Before I Let Go,” “Joy and Pain,” and “Southern Girl.” Just two months before his death, he concluded his farewell “I Wanna Thank You Tour” in his hometown of Philadelphia. In the same month, the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans honored him and his band Maze with a special tribute, recognizing their years of unforgettable performances that united audiences with their soulful sounds.
Essence Festival organizers described his music as “the thread that stitched together our collective memories and moments of joy.” Beverly’s performances at the festival had become legendary, turning the crowd into a sea of dancing fans, many dressed in his signature white attire.
Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League and former New Orleans mayor, reflected on the deep connection between the city and Beverly, which was cemented with Maze’s 1981 live album recorded in New Orleans. Morial described Beverly’s music as having themes of love, happiness, and togetherness, which resonated deeply with fans.
Beverly’s influence extended beyond concert halls, as his music became a staple at celebrations within Black communities. His 1981 anthem “Before I Let Go” is still a go-to track at gatherings, famously covered by Beyoncé and a sure crowd-pleaser at any event.
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Hakeem Holmes, vice president of the Essence Festival, highlighted how Beverly’s music brings people together, saying it has a “healing aspect” and creates a sense of unity when fans sing along to hits like “We Are One.”
In a recent interview with Essence magazine, Beverly referred to music as “the love of my life.” While he couldn’t pinpoint why his songs connected with all generations, he believed it was a path that “God made” for his work.
Born Howard Stanley Beverly on December 6, 1946, in Philadelphia, he was inspired by the 1950s group Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers, which led him to adopt the name Frankie. In the 1970s, Maze, originally known as Raw Soul, found success after Marvin Gaye encouraged the band to change their name and helped launch their first album.
Beverly’s 1989 album, Silky Soul, included a tribute to Gaye, highlighting his admiration for the late singer’s influence on romantic soul and protest songs, genres that Beverly and Maze also championed.
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Tributes to Frankie Beverly poured in from all corners, with Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts expressing his sadness over the loss of a musical legend. Longtime fan Sedrick T. Thomas, from New Orleans, said Beverly’s passing leaves “a chasm in the world of R&B,” but his music will continue to live on.
Beverly’s voice and influence will forever echo through his timeless music, leaving behind a legacy of love, joy, and soulful connection.