Frankie Beverly dead at 77 as Before I Let Go singer and Maze founder’s family pays tribute to late star

MAZE founder and Before I Let Go hitmaker Frankie Beverly has died at the age of 77.

His death was announced by his family on the band’s official Facebook page on Wednesday, September 11.

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The statement from Frankie’s family read, “Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience.

“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.

“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 message concluded.

In the wake of Frankie’s death, fan tributes began pouring in on social media.

“Another great one has transitioned into heaven. Rest easy, Mr. Frankie Beverly. Thank you for being part of my life through music,” one person wrote on X.

Another post read, “All of our legends are reaching their time… RIP.”

“Rest in peace, Frankie Beverly. You are a forever legend,” a third X user honored the musician.

“I am really sad about Frankie Beverly!” another tribute post read. “So many of us grew up with his voice.”

FRANKIE’S LEGACY

Frankie, real name Howard Beverly, was born on December 6, 1946 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The iconic R&B singer formed several musical groups during the early days of his career, including Frankie Beverly and the Butlers, which saw some local success in the ’60s.

They renamed the band to Raw Soul after the group relocated to California in the ’70s, which is when their fortunes began to change.

Their big break came when Marvin Gaye, who acted as the band’s mentor, invited Raw Soul to tour as his opening act.

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The Motown legend also convinced the band to rebrand themselves as Maze, marking his most important contribution to the band’s musical legacy.

Their most famous songs include Joy and Pain, Happy Feelin’s, and Before I Let Go, as audiences became captivated by Frankie’s smooth baritone and on-stage charisma.

In 2009, Frankie’s son Anthony put together a tribute album for the singer titled Silky Soul Music…an All-Star Tribute to Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly.

The record featured artists like Mary J. Blige, Kenneth Brian Edmonds (Babyface), and Mint Condition.

After 50 years of performances, Frankie bid farewell to the stage with a final concert at Philadelphia’s Dell Music Center in his hometown on July 6, 2024.

Over 5,200 people attended the event, with fans from across the country flocking to the iconic music venue to watch Frankie live on stage one last time.

Hip hop writer Nikki Duncan-Smith, who was also in attendance, told PBS News, “When I think about family, when I think about fun, when I think about Blackness, he’s so intricate into what Blackness is for me.”

“He’s our icon, he’s our patron saint of Philadelphia,” she celebrated his cultural impact.

“You see all of these men walking around [here] with the same Frankie Beverly hats on, the beards. So there are little Frankie Beverlys all over the place.”

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