Singer and Maze founder Frankie Beverly has died, his family confirmed on Wednesday, Sept. 11. He was 77.
Frankie’s death was announced on his official Frankie Beverly and Maze Facebook page.
“He lived his life with pure soul as one would say, and for us, no one did it better,” the family wrote in a tribute. “He lived for his music, family and friends. Love one another as he would want that for us all. 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, allowing us the space to grieve in our own way.”
Beverly, a Philadelphia native, founded Maze, under the original band name Raw Soul, in 1970. The band relocated to San Francisco, where they would open for Marvin Gaye, who suggested the name change. The band name changed to Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, before finally changing to Frankie Beverly & Maze in later years.
Maze released 9 gold albums from 1977 to 1993. Their classic hits include “Happy Feelings”, “While I’m Alone”, “Golden Time of Day”, “Southern Girl”, “Joy and Pain”, “Before I Let Go”, “We Are One”, “Back In Stride” and many other hits.
“Before I Let Go” really did turn out to be something more than I even imagined,” Beverly told Essence in 2020. “I got blessed with that.”
Frankie Beverly & Maze had a huge following and their tours were always sold out.
The family did not reveal a cause of death.
