Legendary Soul Singer Frankie Beverly Dies at 77

Frankie Beverly, whose soulful voice and timeless hits with his band Maze inspired generations, has passed away at the age of 77. The news was shared by his family on the band’s website and social media platforms, where they requested privacy and described Beverly as living his life with a pure soul. Details regarding his cause of death or where he died were not disclosed.

Beverly, known for iconic songs such as “Joy and Pain,” “Love is the Key,” and “Southern Girl,” concluded his farewell “I Wanna Thank You Tour” in Philadelphia this past July. That same month, the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans paid a special tribute to Beverly and Maze, who had closed the event for its first 15 years. His performances at the festival – the nation’s largest celebration of Black culture – were legendary, often transforming the audience into a sea of dancing fans, many dressed in white like Beverly himself.

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“Frankie Beverly’s artistry wasn’t just about sound; it was the very thread that stitched together our collective memories and moments of joy,” the festival’s organizers remarked in a statement. “His melodies will forever echo in our hearts and continue to inspire.”

Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League and former mayor of New Orleans, highlighted the impact of Maze’s 1981 album “Live In New Orleans,” which fortified the city’s bond with Beverly. Morial fondly recalled always sitting in the front row for Maze’s festival-closing performances, witnessing a crowd singing along joyfully like a choir.

“His music had feeling. It had positive themes of love, happiness, family and togetherness,” Morial reflected. “It was just electrical and magical and it’s what made us fall in love with him.”

Beverly’s music played a pivotal role in celebrations across Black communities. The band’s 1981 hit “Before I Let Go,” famously covered by Beyoncé, is a staple at gatherings, from clubs to cookouts, inevitably getting people on their feet. “When the song comes on, it’s time to dance,” said Hakeem Holmes, vice president of the Essence Festival. He noted that the band’s music brings comfort and joy, with a “healing aspect” that unites people when they sing along to songs like “We Are One.”

This past summer, Beverly expressed in Essence magazine that music was the “love of my life.” He didn’t fully understand why his music resonated across generations but believed that “God made a path for my music to reach each generation.”

Born Howard Stanley Beverly on December 6, 1946, in Philadelphia, he was inspired by the 1950s R&B group Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers, which led him to adopt the name Frankie. Maze originated in Philadelphia in the early 1970s as Raw Soul before relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area. It was Marvin Gaye who persuaded them to change their name to Maze and helped launch their first album, “Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly,” in 1977.

In his 1989 album “Silky Soul,” Beverly paid tribute to Gaye, a fellow artist known for romantic soul and protest songs. Reflecting on the 1960s’ sense of faith and community, Beverly mentioned in a 1990 interview with The Associated Press, “That kind of faith, you’re talking ’60s, hippie generation. It’s missing and I personally feel bad about that. We grew up in the ’60s — we’re ex-hippies.”

The news of Beverly’s passing has elicited mourning from fans and admirers, including Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who wrote on X: “His timeless music, his powerful words and his lasting impact. I’m devastated to hear about this one.”

New Orleans resident Sedrick T. Thomas, 64, a lifelong admirer, shared his sorrow: “I feel myself in mourning,” he said. “Frankie was a great entertainer who made sure we, as fans, walked away with an incredible experience. I grew up on his music. I thank him for ‘Joy and Pain,’ for ‘Southern Girl,’ for ‘Happy Feelin’s, and for ‘Before I Let Go.’ I thank him for the time and energy he put into his performances. And though the music will live on, he will be greatly missed.”