Frankie Beverly, a legendary voice that will forever echo through our cookouts, family reunions, and unforgettable summer nights, has passed away at the age of 77. Known for leading Maze and gifting the world timeless anthems like “Before I Let Go,” Beverly’s music was more than just sound—it was a celebration of Black joy, unity, and culture.
His family shared the heartbreaking news on the band’s social media, saying, “Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience.” As they reflect on his remarkable life, they’ve asked for privacy to mourn in peace. “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 family expressed.
Beverly, who many have hailed as a pioneer of soul, lived his life fully through his music, his family, and his community. “He lived his life with pure soul as one would say, and for us, no one did it better,” his family wrote, with a touching reminder to “Love one another, as he would want that for us all.”
Born in Philadelphia in 1946, Beverly’s musical journey began in church, where his voice captivated audiences early on. As a teen, he formed his own group, The Blenders, and later Maze, originally named Raw Soul. The group’s blend of soul, funk, and R&B captured the attention of none other than Marvin Gaye, who invited them to tour with him—an opportunity that set the stage for a decades-long career filled with hits like “Golden Time of Day,” “Joy and Pain,” and “We Are One.”
And, of course, there’s “Before I Let Go”—the song that has become a cultural institution. Beyoncé’s 2019 cover in Homecoming further solidified the anthem’s lasting impact. Beverly once shared how blown away he was by her rendition, calling it “one of the high points” of his life.
As we honor Frankie Beverly’s legacy, we are reminded of the joy, the love, and the soulful connection his music brought to our lives. He may be gone, but his voice will forever live on in our hearts and through every celebration where “Before I Let Go” leads the way.
Rest in peace, Howard Stanley Beverly. 12/6/46 – 9/10/24. You will be missed but never forgotten.