Frankie Beverly, Founder and Frontman of Soul Group Maze, Dies at 77

Frankie Beverly attends the NAACP Image Awards Dinner in Los Angeles on March 14, 2024. Leon Bennett/Getty Images For NAACP

Legendary soul singer Frankie Beverly, renowned as the founder and frontman of the R&B group Maze, died on Tuesday at the age of 77.

Beverly’s family confirmed the news in a statement shared online, emphasizing their need for space to grieve.

“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,” his family wrote in an Instagram post.

“This period ... 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.”

Frankie Beverly and Maze

Beverly was born on Dec. 6, 1946, in Philadelphia. His start in music can be traced back to his early childhood, when he sang in the choir of his local church, according to BlackPast.

Beverly joined his first music ensemble, The Silhouettes, at the age of 13, forming the doo-wop group The Blenders three years later.

The singer went on to found the R&B group Raw Soul in 1970, which led him to relocate to San Francisco “to take a chance on music and a chance connection with the undisputable soul stirrer Marvin Gaye,” Beverly’s website reads. “The Motown master [took] the group under his wing and it was Gaye who suggested the group change [its] name. Frankie Beverly and Maze was born.”

The R&B group launched its debut album, “Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly,” in 1977, releasing its sophomore album, “Golden Time of Day,” the following year. Subsequent albums include “Inspiration” (1989), “Joy and Pain” (1980), “Live in New Orleans” (1981), “We Are One” (1983), “Can’t Stop the Love” (1985), “Silky Soul” (1989), and “Back to Basics” (1993).

The group was honored with the “Lifetime Achievement Award” at the 12th annual BET Awards, held in July 2012 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

Tributes Pour In

Beverly’s passing elicited an outpouring of touching messages and tributes online, underscoring the singer’s profound impact on music and the entertainment industry.

The Los Angeles-based vocal group The Whispers commented on the Instagram post announcing Beverly’s death, writing, “Our prayers are with our brother Frankie’s family.”

Television personality Monyetta Shaw shared a similar sentiment, writing that the world “lost a legend.”

“Rest in Power King!!” she wrote. “Thank you for sharing your gift with us all!! Prayers for the family & loved ones!”

Stephanie Mills, a Grammy Award-winning singer and actress, praised Beverly’s amiable character in a post shared on X, noting that the singer was always “so kind” to her.

“Working with him throughout the years was simply a joy. His melodic presence has always transcended the stage and found a place in our hearts,” Mills wrote. “I will miss you sir, but it’s time to take your rest. Fly HIGH and I just want to THANK YOU.”

A'ja Smith, a former congressional candidate, also took to X to pen a heartfelt message, calling Beverly “an icon whose soulful music with Maze touched millions of hearts across the world.”

“His smooth voice, timeless hits like ‘Before I Let Go’ and ‘Joy and Pain,’ and unforgettable live performances left an indelible mark on R&B and soul music,” she wrote.

“Frankie Beverly’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he influenced with his music, and he will forever be remembered as a trailblazer and a symbol of love and unity. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Frankie Beverly. You will be truly missed.”