Maze singer Frankie Beverly has passed away at the age of 77, his family has confirmed.
The renowned soul artist, celebrated for hits like “Before I Let Go” and “Can’t Get Over You,” died on Tuesday. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
In a statement shared on social media, Beverly’s family described him as living his life with “pure soul.” They requested privacy during this time of mourning, emphasizing their need for space to grieve. The family expressed deep sorrow, stating, “This period for us 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.”
Beverly’s music career began in the 1960s with the doo-wop group The Blenders, and he later formed The Butlers. In 1970, he founded Maze in Philadelphia, originally named Raw Soul. The group, influenced by Marvin Gaye, changed their name and went on to release nine albums between 1977 and 1993. Some of their notable hits include “Happy Feelings” and “While I’m Alone.”
In 2019, Beyoncé’s cover of Beverly’s “Before I Let Go” on her album *Homecoming: The Live Album* was a significant moment for him. Beverly remarked that the cover made him “feel bigger than ever,” and he described it as “one of the high points of [his] life.”
