Frankie Beverly, Soul Singer And Maze Founder, Dies At 77

Frankie Beverly, legendary soul singer and founder of the funk band Maze, has died. He was 77.

Beverly, a Philadelphia native born Howard Stanley Beverly, died on Tuesday, according to his family. The singer’s loved ones announced his death Wednesday in a statement on the official Frankie Beverly and Maze Facebook page .

“Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience,” the family wrote. “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 honor the memory of our beloved Howard Stanley Beverly known to the world as Frankie Beverly,” the message continued.

Beverly’s family said went on to say that 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 singer’s cause of death is unknown. HuffPost has reached out to a representative for comment.

Beverly might be most known as the singer and songwriter of “Before I Let Go,” a song he released with Maze in 1981 that now occupies a beloved place in Black American culture. In 2021, The New York Times called the song “a unifying Black anthem and an unfailing source of joy” with a “unique ability to gather and galvanize.” In 2019, Billboard said the song is “synonymous with celebration in the music canon.”

Beyoncé released a cover of “Before I Let Go” in 2019 to widespread acclaim . Beverly called the cover “one of the high points of my life.”

In July, Beverly and Maze finished a farewell tour that drew a huge fan response . The singer had announced his retirement earlier this year after more than 50 years of performing music.

Beverly’s fans shared tributes to the late singer on X, formerly Twitter.