Frankie Beverly was popularly known for his soul and funk band Maze, which he formed in 1970
By Kehinde Okeowo
Veteran American singer and producer, Frankie Beverly, has passed away.
His family made the announcement on his official Instagram account on Wednesday.
According to the post, the R&B hitmaker, whose real name is Howard Stanley Beverly, passed away on Tuesday, September 10 at the age of 77.
“Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deep and emotional experience. During this time, as we are navigating feelings of sorrow, reflection, and remembrance we ask for privacy and understanding, allowing us the space to grieve in our own way.
“This period 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.” the statement from the family read.
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Beverly was popularly known for his soul and funk band Maze, which he formed in 1970.
Born on December 6, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Beverly’s musical career began in the 1960s with his doo-wop group, The Blenders. Later, he formed a soul group called The Butlers, which saw some regional success.
In the early 1970s, he relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area and formed Maze. The band’s big break came when Marvin Gaye, a fan of Beverly’s sound, invited them to tour as his opening act. In 1977, Maze released their debut album, Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly, which included the hits “Happy Feelin’s” and “While I’m Alone.”
Known for their smooth blend of soul, funk, and R&B, Maze became a staple of the ’70s and ’80s music scene, producing classic songs like “Joy and Pain,” “Before I Let Go,” and “Golden Time of Day.”
In 2009, his son, Anthony, organized a tribute album for his father titled “Silky Soul Music… an All-Star Tribute to Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly.” Mary J. Blige, Kenneth Brian Edmonds (Babyface) and Mint Condition were among the artists who appeared on the album.
After 50 years of performances and shows, the legendary artist performed his final concert in Philadelphia at the Dell Music Center in North Philly, where Beverly had performed for decades.
