Maze & R&B Singer Frankie Beverly Passes Away ā Family Speaks Out.
Legendary R&B singer and Philadelphia native Frankie Beverly has sadly passed away at the age of 77.
The Instagram post Beverlyās family made confirmed that the singer, born Howard Stanley Beverly, died on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. ItĀ read, āHe lived his life with pure soul as one would say, and for us, no one did it better. He lived for his music, family and friends.ā
The family has not disclosed details about Beverlyās death and has requested privacy during this difficult time. TheyĀ encouragedĀ people to ālove one another,ā stating that itās what the late musician would have wanted for everyone.
The family said they are currently focused on healing. They also appreciated how people have respected their need for solitude as they honored the memory of Beverly. TheyĀ wrote, āGrieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience.ā
Born in Philadelphia, Beverly was so impressed by 50ās R&B group Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers that he decided to change his name to Frankie.
The singer spent some time creating and singing with other groups before ultimately catching the ear ofĀ Marvin Gaye. Gaye convinced him to change his bandās initial name from Raw Soul to Maze and in 1977 helped them releaseĀ their first album, āMaze Featuring Frankie Beverly.ā

Frankie Beverly, of the group Maze, performs onstage during the Budweiser SuperFest in Los Angeles, California, on June 27, 1998 | Source: Getty Images
Today, tributes are pouring in for Beverly, who was the lead singer, songwriter, producer, and founder of the band Maze. Fans, fellow musicians, and friends are expressing their heartfelt condolences to his family.
Jalen Hurts, a lover of Beverlyās musicĀ sharedĀ on X, āHis timeless music, his powerful words and his lasting impact. Iām devastated to hear about this one..ā
Hurts expressed his condolences, extending prayers to the Beverly family and the countless fans of the singer around the globe during this difficult time. HeĀ added, āHis legacy will live on forever. Rest easy my friend. Long Live Frankie šļøā
R&B singer and actressĀ Patti LaBelleĀ alsoĀ wroteĀ her tribute on Instagram, āI love you Frankie! Thank you for always lifting us higher! Rest in love and peace! šš¾ā¤ļøšš¾.ā She shared these words alongside a clip of herself expressing praise and love for Beverly, who had attended her concert.
Earvin Magic Johnson, a businessman and former basketball player penned an emotional tribute to Beverly. āI canāt begin to tell you how much I loved Frankie as a true musical artist but even more as a person. He was a gentle soul and always gave fans their moneyās worth with every performance,ā heĀ shared.

Frankie Beverley of the R and B group Maze poses for a portrait outside the Hammersmith Odeon in London, England, on April 22, 1985 | Source: Getty Images
Johnson revealed that he would listen to Beverlyās music before every high school game to get pumped up. He also recalled how it was a dream come true to have Beverly perform at his birthday party in Lansing after he was drafted.
Johnson described Beverly as a towering figure in the music industry, whose career has spanned decades and left a lasting impact. The singer helped to establish the Essence Festival of Culture and was a recipient of aĀ lifetime achievement award.

Beverlyās music has transcended generations with his classic hit āBefore I Let Go,ā released over 40 years ago, remaining a favorite at weddings, cookouts, and special events.
Johnson noted that BeyoncĆ©ās choice to remake āBefore I Let Goā is a testament to the enduring legacy of his work. HeĀ concluded, āAs a tribute to him, I will be playing his music all day!ā
Fans have also mourned Beverly deeply, expressing their grief and paying tribute to the legendary singer. One fanĀ shared,Ā āšNo words to express what he meant to me and my family. Sending my deepest condolences to his family and friends. This hurts!ā
Another fanĀ wrote,Ā āI [am] literally in tears. Rest well, Frankie.āĀ A third fanĀ added,Ā āIām so heartbroken. I canāt stop crying. R.I.P. Frankie. You brought me joy when you hit the stage. š Iām going to put on white today in honor of you. šš¾ā

Frankie Beverly of Maze performs onstage during the Frankie Beverly and Maze Farewell Tour in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 22, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Many fans identify with Beverlyās role in the Essence Festival of Culture, an event he had been closely associated with for its first 15 years. The event has been a vibrantĀ celebration of Black culture.
It united individuals from diverse backgrounds through dialogue, shared experiences, and an extensive array of musical performances. 2024ās festival featuredĀ electrifying performancesĀ by Janet Jackson and a poignant tribute to Beverly and Maze.
Now it carries even more impact and it involves Beverly leaving a profound influence on the festival and its attendees. These attendees always wore all white on the final day of the festival, a tradition inspired by Beverlyās signature white outfit.
Kevia Stroder from Richmond, Texas, noted that when Beverly stopped going to the festival many people she knowsĀ stopped attendingĀ due to his absence from the lineup. This yearās festival stirred up excitement as people knew his band would be there.
Anita Brown from New Orleans also remarked that Beverly and Maze had defined the Essence Festival of Culture. They created an unparalleled atmosphere that kept audiences on their feet throughout their shows. She expressed that no other soul artist or group hadĀ matched their impact.


The singer noted that changing something that was already excellent, like the Essence Festival of Culture, seemed unnecessary and counterproductive, given its status amongĀ the best festivalsĀ in the world.
Beverly also divulged that he had a deep connection with the event and his absence was felt profoundly by both himself and his fans. Now, his admirers are mourning and will deeply miss his presence at the festival and beyond.