ATLANTA – Frankie Beverly, the legendary frontman of the iconic R&B band Maze, has passed away at the age of 77. The heartbreaking announcement was made by his family on his official Instagram page early on the morning of September 11. According to the post, Beverly, whose real name was Howard Stanley Beverly, died on September 10, 2024.
The family has yet to release any further details regarding his death and has asked for privacy during this time of mourning.
Beverly, born on December 6, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, leaves behind a lasting legacy in the world of soul and R&B music. His career, which began in the 1960s with his doo-wop group The Blenders, evolved into a remarkable journey that spanned decades. In the late ’60s, he formed The Butlers, a soul group that achieved regional success before Beverly’s move to the San Francisco Bay Area, where he founded Maze.
Maze’s big break came in the early 1970s when Marvin Gaye, impressed by Beverly’s distinctive sound, invited the band to join him on tour. In 1977, the group released their debut album, Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly, which produced hits such as “Happy Feelin’s” and “While I’m Alone.” The band’s unique fusion of soul, funk, and R&B cemented their place in music history with timeless classics like “Joy and Pain,” “Before I Let Go,” and “Golden Time of Day.”
Although Maze never achieved massive commercial success, their loyal fanbase continued to grow. Beverly’s unmistakable smooth vocals, combined with the band’s sophisticated sound, made them legends in the R&B scene, particularly renowned for their captivating live performances.
After 50 years of creating music and performing around the world, Beverly took the stage for his final concert in his hometown of Philadelphia at the Dell Music Center, a venue where he had performed for decades. His son, Anthony Beverly, paid tribute to his father by organizing a special album in 2009 titled Silky Soul Music… an All-Star Tribute to Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly, which featured contributions from artists like Mary J. Blige, Babyface, and Mint Condition.
Beverly’s enduring influence on the music industry is immeasurable. His timeless songs continue to resonate with audiences across generations, and his artistry, both as a performer and a songwriter, will remain etched in the hearts of millions.
Following the news of his passing, tributes from fans and fellow musicians have been pouring in across social media, celebrating the life of a man whose music became a soundtrack to countless memories.
Frankie Beverly leaves behind a legacy of soulful brilliance, a voice that transcended eras, and a profound impact on the world of R&B. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his contributions to music.
