Frankie Beverly, the soulful frontman of Maze, died on Tuesday age 77, his family announced on social media. Beverly had retired in July from the music world, after performing a farewell tour with the R&B band that made him famous.
No cause of death was revealed for the charismatic singer, and his family asked for “privacy and understanding, allowing us the space to grieve in our own way.”
“Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience,” Beverly’s family said in a statement posted Wednesday morning on Instagram. “During this time, as we are navigating feelings of sorrow, reflection, and remembrance we kindly ask for privacy and understanding, allowing us the space to grieve in our own way. This period for 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.
“Howard Stanley Beverly aka Frankie Beverly, 12/6/46 – 9/10/24″
On July 6, Beverly closed out his “I Wanna Thank You Farewell Tour” with Maze, performing at The Dell Music Center in Philadelphia, At the concert, Beverly received flowers from Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback Jalen Hurts and a tribute from Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, according to a press release from the Black Promoters Collective. (The collective produced Beverly’s farewell tour.)
Frankie Beverly closed out his farewell tour with Maze on July 6, 2024, at The Dell Music Center in Philadelphia. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker paid tribute to the singer on stage, along with Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, right.(KDMorris Photography)
Beverly also was honored in July at the Essence Festival in New Orleans, with on-stage tributes by Anthony Hamilton, Doug E. Fresh and more.
READ: Legendary R&B singer retiring after 54 years: ‘It’s been a great ride through the decades’
Beverly founded Maze in 1970 in his hometown of Philadelphia, initially calling the group Raw Soul. The band changed its name in the mid-’70s, released several albums, 1977-1993, and developed a loyal following throughout the country. Beverly’s all-white attire on stage is one of his trademarks, along with his smooth baritone voice and ability to connect with the crowd.
Frankie Beverly closed out his farewell tour with Maze on July 6, 2024, at The Dell Music Center in Philadelphia.(KDMorris Photography)
Upon his retirement, Beverly handed the microphone to Tony Lindsay, best known as the lead singer for Santana. The band name would be changed from Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly to Maze Honoring Frankie Beverly, a press release said in February.
Beverly was a longtime favorite in Alabama, playing to cheering crowds at concert venues and festivals throughout the state. His signature tunes with Maze range from electric funk to romantic jams to classic R&B, and include “Southern Girl,” “Back in Stride,” “We Are One,” “Golden Time of Day,” “Can’t Get Over You,” “The Morning After,” “Joy and Pain” and “Happy Feelin’s.”
Beverly and Maze performed many times in Birmingham over the years, at venues that ranged from Boutwell Auditorium to the Alabama Theatre to the former City Stages festival. A concert typically became a big ol’ dance party when Beverly and Maze took the stage; in fact, some ticketholders would bring maracas and use them for appreciative percussion.
