Frankie Beverly, the singer-songwriter best known for fronting the R&B, soul and funk group Maze, has died, his family announced this morning, revealing that the baritone vocalist died yesterday (September 10). mentioned. Frankie Beverly was 77 years old.
“Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience,” Beverly’s family wrote. “During this time, as we navigate feelings of grief, reflection, and remembrance, we kindly ask for privacy and understanding to allow us to grieve in our own way. This is a time of healing, and your respect for our need for solitude is appreciated because we honor the memory of our beloved Howard Stanley Beverly, known to the world as Frankie Beverly.”
The family continued. “He lived his life with a pure soul, as you might say, and for us no one did it better. He lived for his music, his family and his friends. Love each other as he would have us all.”
Frankie Beverly’s music has long served as an inspiration for artists drawn to his voice, with hits such as “Back in Stride,” “Can’t Get Over You” and “Golden Time of Day” bringing Maze legions of fans, while other standout singles showcased Beverley’s smooth teasing, fan favorite Before I Let Go is known to have covered Beyonce in her live album. Homecoming.
Born Howard Stanley Beverly in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1946, he first became interested in music at school, singing gospel music for pews and forming an a cappella doo-wop band with friends at school. Beverly recorded his first official songs in 1963, when he was just He was 17 years old, part of the Butlers group. Four years later, their soulful standard “That’s What You Want” caught the ear of producer Kenny Gamble, who picked up the band and helped release more Butlers material. The Butlers moved to California so their sound could find a more suitable audience , and renamed themselves Raw Soul.
In 1971, Marvin Gaye took notice of Raw Soul and invited them to open for his tour. Gaye suggested they change their name once again, this time to Frankie Beverly and the Maze. In 1976, Maze signed to Capitol Records and released their debut album, Labyrinth with Frankie Beverlynext year. Maze released eight more studio albums, including R&B chart toppers You can’t stop loveIn 1985, etc Silk soulin 1989. The last studio album of the group was released in 1993 Back to basics.