By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
With heavy hearts and a saddened soul, friends and family of Frankie Beverly, are mourning the music icon’s Sept. 10 death.
Best known as front man of the soul and funk group, “Maze featuring Frankie Beverly,” the crooner’s voice is easily recognized and often considered a staple at gatherings in the Black community.
News of the rhythm and blues performer’s death at age 77 was announced via a heartfelt post on Instagram, shared by his family.
Music fans across the world are mourning the death of legendary soul singer Frankie Beverly. (AP Photo/ Donald Traill)
“He lived his life with pure soul as one would say, and for us, no one did it better,” read the statement. “He lived for his music, family and friends.”
Additionally, the family asked for privacy, understanding and respect as they come to terms with the loss of their beloved family member.
Beverly had a career that spanned over 50 years. He announced his retirement and farewell tour earlier this year. The I Wanna Thank You tour kicked off in Atlanta in March of this year and concluded in July in Beverly’s hometown of Philadelphia, at the Dell Music Center.
The “Happy Feelings” singer was born Howard Beverly on Dec. 6, 1946 and first started singing in church as a child. Though he was baptized in gospel culture, he would later exchange the church hymnals for a more secular sound. Beverly founded his first group “Frankie Beverly and the Butlers.” The group eventually broke up, and Beverly later founded “Raw Soul” in 1970.
After relocating to California, the group grew popular amongst local venues and eventually caught the attention of Marvin Gaye, who later had them as an opening act. It was Gaye who convinced the group to rename themselves to “Maze featuring Frankie Beverly,” and in 1977 the group dropped their self-titled debut album.
For the last five decades Beverly and his band have become known for their sound that combines soul, funk and rhythm and blues, creating a music style that is uniquely theirs. Throughout the years artists like Beyoncé have honored Beverly with remixes of his more popular hits, such as “Before I Let Go.”
Always suited in his signature white linen garb and a baseball cap, Beverly’s legacy is reflected in both his music and style.
Before his passing, Maze announced that they would be renaming the group to “Maze honoring Frankie Beverly,” as Tony Lindsay steps into the role of the band’s lead singer.
The music the world received from Beverly is timeless and will continue to be a defining part of Black culture. Although he is gone he will never be forgotten.
