FRANKIE Beverly, the legendary R&B musician and frontman of the iconic band Maze, has passed away at the age of 77. The news was confirmed by his family on Instagram, revealing that the music icon, whose real name was Howard Stanley Beverly, died on September 10. The announcement, made on the morning of September 11, requested privacy during their time of mourning.
‘Grieving the loss of a loved one is deeply personal and emotional,’ the family’s statement read. ‘We ask for understanding and privacy as we navigate this period of sorrow and remembrance, honouring the memory of Howard Stanley Beverly, known to the world as Frankie Beverly.’
Beverly was revered not only for his immense talent but also for his lasting contributions to R&B and soul music. As the founder and lead vocalist of Maze, his smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics defined the group, which became a staple in Black American households, particularly in the late 1970s and 80s. Maze’s signature hits, including Southern Girl, Feel That You’re Feelin’, Joy and Pain, and their most enduring track, Before I Let Go, cemented their place in music history. Beyoncé’s 2019 cover of Before I Let Go’ for her Homecoming live album further revitalised the song for a new generation.
Frankie Beverly’s contributions were not limited to his vocal talents. He was also a producer and guitarist, helping to shape the sound of Maze, a band widely loved for its energetic live performances. The group, originally discovered by Marvin Gaye, went on to produce nine gold albums and multiple chart-topping hits over the decades, continuing to sell out shows well into the 21st century, despite not releasing a studio album since 1993.
In 2019, Beverly announced his retirement, and the band embarked on a farewell tour earlier this year. The tour also marked the transition of leadership within the group, as Beverly confirmed that Maze would continue performing under the name Maze Honouring Frankie Beverly, with Tony Lindsay stepping in as lead vocalist.
Beverly’s family acknowledged his passion for music, noting: ‘He lived his life with pure soul, and no one did it better. He lived for his music, family, and friends.’
The R&B legend’s impact on the genre and his legacy as a cultural icon is immeasurable. For generations, Maze’s music has been a fixture at cookouts, family reunions, and weddings. In March 2023, Beverly was awarded the NAACP Image Award for Lifetime Achievement, recognising his decades of contribution to the music world.
Frankie Beverly’s favourite songs, such as Happy Feelings and We Are One, reflect the ethos of togetherness and harmony that he always strove to embody in his music. As he said in a 2012 interview, We Are One represents the spirit of Maze and their enduring bond as both a group and a family.
While his passing marks the end of an era, Frankie Beverly’s music will continue to live on, uniting listeners with the same warmth, love, and joy that it has for decades.
Credit: Africabriefing & BlackDoctor.org
