Soul Legend Frankie Beverly Passes Away at 77, Leaving Legacy of Joy and Inspiration

Frankie Beverly, who, with his band Maze, inspired generations of fans with his smooth, soulful voice and enduring anthems such as “Before I Let Go,” has passed away at the age of 77.

His family announced his passing in a post on the band’s website and social media, requesting privacy. They expressed, “He lived his life with a pure soul, as one would say, and for us, no one did it better.” The statement did not reveal his cause of death or the location where he died.

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Beverly’s repertoire included hits like “Joy and Pain,” “Love is the Key,” and “Southern Girl.” He concluded his farewell “I Wanna Thank You Tour” in his hometown of Philadelphia this past July. The same month, the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans paid a special tribute to Beverly and Maze, acknowledging their role in closing out the event for its first 15 years. At this festival—the nation’s largest annual celebration of Black culture—Beverly’s performances would transform the crowd into a jubilant throng of dancing fans, many clad in white attire, emulating his signature style.

“Frankie Beverly’s artistry wasn’t just about sound; it was the very thread that stitched together our collective memories and moments of joy,” said organizers of the Essence Festival 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, emphasized that Maze’s 1981 album “Live In New Orleans” solidified the city’s bond with Beverly. Recalling the vibrant energy at those concerts, Morial always secured a front-row seat and often turned around to witness the “joyful like a choir” crowd singing along.

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

Beverly’s music has become intertwined with celebrations across Black communities. The band’s 1981 hit “Before I Let Go,” famously covered by Beyoncé, remains a staple at gatherings from clubs to cookouts, consistently inciting people to hit the dance floor.

“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 such comfort and joy that there’s a “healing aspect” to it. Songs like “We Are One” have an undeniable unifying power, as everyone joins in to sing along.

In an interview over the summer with Essence magazine, Beverly described music as “the love of my life.” Reflecting on the multi-generational appeal of his work, he said, “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 to his changing his name to Frankie. Maze began in Philadelphia in the early 1970s as Raw Soul. It was the legendary Marvin Gaye who persuaded Beverly to rename the band Maze and helped them release their debut album, “Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly,” in 1977.

In his 1989 album “Silky Soul,” Beverly paid homage to Marvin Gaye, celebrating the artist who had excelled in romantic soul and protest songs, a legacy Maze also embraced.

“That kind of faith, you’re talking ’60s, hippie generation,” Beverly explained in a 1990 interview with the Associated Press. “It’s missing and I personally feel bad about that. We grew up in the ’60s – we’re ex-hippies.”

Among those mourning Beverly is Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who expressed his sorrow on X, writing, “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 of Beverly and his music, reflected on his passing as a significant loss in the realm of R&B.

“I feel myself in mourning,” Thomas stated. “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.”