Legendary soul singer Frankie Beverly, known as the founder and frontman of R&B group Maze, has passed away at the age of 77. The news was confirmed by Beverly’s family in a statement shared online. They have requested privacy during this time of grieving.
Beverly, born on December 6, 1946, in Philadelphia, had a deep connection to music from an early age. He began singing in his local church choir as a child and joined his first music ensemble, The Silhouettes, at the age of 13. Three years later, he formed the doo-wop group The Blenders.
In 1970, Beverly founded the R&B group Raw Soul and made a move to San Francisco to pursue his musical career. It was there that he connected with Marvin Gaye who took the group under his wing and suggested they change their name to Frankie Beverly and Maze.
The group released their debut album “Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly” in 1977 followed by several successful albums including “Golden Time of Day,” “Inspiration,” “Joy and Pain,” and more.
Frankie Beverly’s passing has led to an outpouring of tributes from fellow musicians and fans alike. The Whispers expressed their condolences on Instagram while Monyetta Shaw called him a legend. Stephanie Mills praised his kind nature while A’ja Smith highlighted his impact on R&B and soul music.
Frankie Beverly leaves behind a lasting legacy through his timeless hits like “Before I Let Go” and “Joy and Pain.” His music touched millions of hearts around the world, making him an icon in the industry. He will be remembered as a trailblazer for love and unity.
Rest in peace, Frankie Beverly. You will be truly missed.
