Legendary R&B singer and Philadelphia native Frankie Beverly has sadly passed away at the age of 77.
On the morning of September 11, 2024, Frankie Beverly’s family shared the heartbreaking news of his passing on Instagram. Since then, they have spoken out, eulogizing the singer and reflecting on his impactful life and enduring legacy.
The Instagram post Beverly’s family made confirmed that the singer, born Howard Stanley Beverly, died on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. It read, “He 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.”
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. They wrote, “Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience.”
The singer spent some time creating and singing with other groups before ultimately catching the ear of Marvin Gaye. Gaye convinced him to change his band’s initial name from Raw Soul to Maze and in 1977 helped them release their first album, “Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly.”
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 Beverly’s music shared on X, “His timeless music, his powerful words and his lasting impact. I’m devastated to hear about this one..”
Hurts expressed his condolences, extending prayers to the Beverly family and the countless fans of the singer around the globe during this difficult time. He added, “His legacy will live on forever. Rest easy my friend. Long Live Frankie 🕊️”
R&B singer and actress Patti LaBelle also wrote her tribute on Instagram, “I love you Frankie! Thank you for always lifting us higher! Rest in love and peace! 🙏🏾❤️🙏🏾.” 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. “I can’t 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 money’s worth with every performance,” he 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 Beverly’s 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 a lifetime achievement award.
Frankie Beverly accepts the Lifetime Achievement Award onstage during the 2012 BET Awards in Los Angeles, California, on July 1, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
Beverly’s music has transcended generations with his classic hit “Before I Let Go,” released over 40 years ago, remaining a favorite at weddings, cookouts, and special events.
Johnson noted that Beyoncé’s choice to remake “Before I Let Go” is a testament to the enduring legacy of his work. He concluded, “As a tribute to him, I will be playing his music all day!”
Fans have also mourned Beverly deeply, expressing their grief and paying tribute to the legendary singer. One fan shared, “💔No words to express what he meant to me and my family. Sending my deepest condolences to his family and friends. This hurts!”
Another fan wrote, “I [am] literally in tears. Rest well, Frankie.” A third fan added, “I’m so heartbroken. I can’t stop crying. R.I.P. Frankie. You brought me joy when you hit the stage. 🕊 I’m going to put on white today in honor of you. 🙏🏾”
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 Beverly’s 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 vibrant celebration of Black culture.
It united individuals from diverse backgrounds through dialogue, shared experiences, and an extensive array of musical performances. 2024’s festival featured electrifying performances by Janet Jackson and a poignant tribute to Beverly and Maze.
Beverly, who had announced his retirement from live performances, marked his final appearance at the festival. The band’s farewell tour signified a bittersweet goodbye to a significant chapter in their storied career.
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 Beverly’s signature white outfit.
Kevia Stroder from Richmond, Texas, noted that when Beverly stopped going to the festival many people she knows stopped attending due to his absence from the lineup. This year’s 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 had matched their impact.
Frankie Beverly of Maze performs to close out the 10th Annual Essence Festival in the New Orleans Superdome, on July 4, 2004 | Source: Getty Images
Beverly had also shared his eagerness to return to the festival, acknowledging the difficulty of not being a part of it after 15 years. He disagreed with the organizers about changing aspects of the festival.
Frankie Beverly of Maze performs onstage during the Frankie Beverly and Maze Farewell Tour in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 22, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The singer noted that changing something that was already excellent, like the Essence Festival of Culture, seemed unnecessary and counterproductive, given its status among the best festivals 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.
