Frankie Beverly, the renowned singer and leader of the soul-funk group Maze, has passed away at the age of 77, as confirmed by a statement from his family. He died on Tuesday morning, according to an Instagram announcement.
The statement highlighted Beverly’s vibrant life, stating, “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.”
Beverly founded Maze, initially named Raw Soul, in the 1970s in his hometown of Philadelphia. The band, recognized as Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, released nine gold albums between 1977 and 1993. Some of their most beloved tracks include “Happy Feelings,” “Golden Times of Day,” and “Before I Let Go.” Notably, Beyoncé covered “Before I Let Go” on her live album “Homecoming.”
Earlier this year, Beverly and his band embarked on a farewell tour that started in Atlanta on March 22 and concluded in Los Angeles on May 12. Following the tour, the group continues to perform under the name Maze Honoring Frankie Beverly.
In honor of his legacy, the street where Beverly grew up in Philadelphia was renamed “Frankie Beverly Way” at a celebration that drew a large crowd, as reported by the Philly Tribune.