Howard Stanley Beverly, better known as Frankie Beverly, frontman and founder of the band “Maze,” died this morning at the age of 77.
The announcement came from Frankie Beverly’s family from an Instagram post that read:
“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. This period for us 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.”
Howard Beverly was born on December 6, 1946 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He started his musical journey by singing gospel music at his local church before later forming and leading an acapella group in his later years. The singer’s name Frankie was inspired by Frankie Lymon, lead singer of Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers.
Beverly formed the musical group Maze in 1970 and later went on to release their debut album “Maze featuring Frankie Beverly” in 1976. The album started the band’s almost 50-year music career. Spawning hits such as “Can’t Get Over You,” “Southern Girl,” “Joy and Pain,” and their widely known cultural hit “Before I Let Go.” Their musical stylings can be seen through other artists like D’Angelo, The SOS Band, The Commodores, Soul II Soul, and more.
The band had recently embarked on their farewell tour this year, the “I Wanna Thank You” tour. Beverly said in a statement regarding the tour, “I want to share with my lifelong fans and associates that I’ll be going out on the road one last time, then retire. The band will continue on as Maze Honoring Frankie Beverly. It’s been a great ride through the decades. Let the music of my legacy continue.”
Fan reactions on X, formerly known as Twitter, have poured out after hearing the news. Fans remembering Maze and the lead singer through their songs and their impact on their own lives. Singers even inspired and influenced by their works have shared their condolences.
Singer Kelly Rowland on X tweeted, “Thank you for your voice! Your spirit of bringing us all together! FAMILY, LOVE, and the always celebrating black culture! And that VOICE!! Man! Thank you for it all! Ascend! Sending my Love out to Frankie Beverly’s family MAZE family and all his LOVED ones!!”
Essence stated in their tweet regarding his passing, “May the angels synchronize in unison and dance and give you one last standing Before We Let Go.”
Beverly’s death, while sudden, has still left people with countless good memories, lasting music, and “happy feelings everywhere.”
Beverly is survived by his son Anthony Beverly and his ex-wife Heather Beverly. No funeral arrangements have been announced yet.