Legendary R&B Artist Frankie Beverly Dead at 77

Frankie Beverly, the legendary R&B artist and frontman of the band Maze, has passed away at the age of 77. His death was confirmed by his family on September 11, 2024, following his passing on September 10, 2024. Frankie Beverly, whose real name was Howard Stanley Beverly, was known for his soulful voice and hits like “Before I Let Go,” “Joy and Pain,” and “Golden Time of Day.” His music has been a significant part of cultural celebrations, especially within the Black community, often played at gatherings, cookouts, and family reunions.

Beverly’s career spanned over five decades, during which he not only influenced music but also received accolades like the Lifetime Achievement Award at the BET Awards and was honored at the NAACP Image Awards shortly before his death. His retirement and the end of his farewell tour with Maze earlier in the year marked the close of an era in soul and funk music. His family has asked for privacy during this time of mourning, emphasizing his love for music, family, and friends, and encouraging others to continue loving one another as he would have wanted.

Cause of Dead of Legendary R&B Artist Frankie Beverly

The cause of death for Frankie Beverly, the legendary R&B artist known for his work with the band Maze, has not been disclosed by his family or official statements. Following his passing on September 10, 2024, various sources and posts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have speculated or discussed potential causes, but no definitive medical cause has been confirmed publicly. His family’s statements focused on mourning his loss and celebrating his life, without mentioning the specifics of how he died. Therefore, as of now, the cause of Frankie Beverly’s death remains unknown to the public.

Music Career of Frankie Beverly

Frankie Beverly, born Howard Stanley Beverly on December 6, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, had a music career that spanned over five decades, marked by his soulful voice, heartfelt lyrics, and the unique blend of funk, soul, and R&B that defined his band, Maze.

Early Career:

The Butlers: Frankie Beverly started his music career in the 1960s with a doo-wop group called The Blenders, which later became The Butlers. They released several singles, but their biggest hit was “I Can’t Work No Longer,” which reached the R&B charts in 1967.
MFSB: After The Butlers, Beverly joined the house band for Philadelphia International Records, MFSB (Mother Father Sister Brother), which played on many hits by artists like The O’Jays and Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes.

Formation of Maze:

In the early 1970s, Frankie Beverly formed Maze, initially known as Raw Soul. The group’s name changed to Maze featuring Frankie Beverly after they signed with Capitol Records in 1976. Their music was a fusion of funk, soul, and jazz, with a strong emphasis on live instrumentation.

Notable Achievements and Hits:

Albums: Maze released numerous albums, with some of their most successful being “Golden Time of Day” (1981), “Live in New Orleans” (1981), and “Can’t Stop the Love” (1985).
Hits: Some of their biggest hits include:
“Before I Let Go” – A dance anthem that has remained popular over the years.
“Joy and Pain” – Known for its uplifting message and memorable melody.
“Golden Time of Day” – A smooth, soulful track that showcases Beverly’s vocal range.
“We Are One” – Another track that became a staple in R&B and soul playlists.

Legacy:

Cultural Impact: Frankie Beverly’s music has had a profound impact, especially within the Black community, where his songs are often played at social gatherings, weddings, and celebrations. His music embodies themes of love, unity, and perseverance.
Awards and Recognition: Over the years, Frankie Beverly received various accolades, including a Lifetime Achievement Award at the BET Awards. He was also honored at the NAACP Image Awards shortly before his death.
Retirement: In 2023, Frankie Beverly announced his retirement, culminating in a farewell tour that ended in early 2024. This tour was a celebration of his career, allowing fans one last chance to experience his live performances.

Frankie Beverly’s career was not just about music; it was about creating a soundtrack for life’s moments, big and small, with a voice that conveyed both joy and pain, love and struggle. His influence on R&B and soul music continues to be felt, with his songs remaining timeless classics.