|
Listen to this article here
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Legendary artist Frankie Beverly, leader of the R&B soul-funk band Maze, has passed away at 77, according to an announcement posted by his family on his Instagram page.
His family posted the announcement on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. They kindly asked for “privacy and understanding” and permission for the “space” to grieve in their own way. They then stated they “appreciated” everyone who understood their need for “solitude” as they mourned their beloved family member.
The post continued with Beverly, whose real name was Howard Stanley Beverly, who “lived his life with a 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 family’s announcement confirmed that the singer passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 10, and was accompanied by a collage of images showcasing the singer throughout his 60-year career.
From Gospel Beginnings to Iconic Fame: Frankie Beverly’s Musical Journey
Beverly was born on Dec. 6, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His musical journey began as a child singing gospel in his family’s church. When he was 16, he changed his name to Frankie, emulating his childhood idol, Frankie Lymon. His first taste of band life was with The Blenders, a short-lived a cappella doo-wop group. He then formed The Butlers, which became the first group with whom he ever recorded a record.
Beverly and The Butlers went on the road and gained traction in California. After relocating to the San Francisco area in the 1970s, the band, then known as Raw Soul, caught the eye of Marvin Gaye’s sister-in-law. The group saw their big break when the legendary singer invited them to become his opening act and convinced them to change their name to Maze.
The group’s debut album, 1977’s Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, went gold. Between 1978 and 1993, the group released seven more studio albums, six of which went gold.
Maze is responsible for some of the biggest hits of the ’70s and ’80s that have become staples in Black culture and musical history. Some of the group’s biggest hits include “Joy and Pain,” “Before I Let Go,” and “Back In Stride.”
Beverly’s musical talents were showcased as the band’s writer, producer, and lead singer. He was revered for his smooth baritone voice, effortless dance moves, and charming stage presence. Beverly’s white linen tunic and pants, topped with a white baseball cap, became his signature tour outfit throughout the decades.
The singer continued to tour alongside Maze for over 50 years until 2024 when he completed nine dates across the country on Frankie Beverly and Maze’s “I Wanna Thank You” Farewell Tour.
Beverly is survived by his only son, musician Anthony Beverly. The family has not revealed the cause of death at this time.