ATLANTA – Legendary R&B singer Frankie Beverly, best known as the frontman of the iconic band Maze, has passed away at the age of 77, according to an announcement made by his family on his official Instagram page.
The announcement, shared at approximately 8 a.m. on September 11, stated that Beverly, whose real name was Howard Stanley Beverly, passed away on September 10. His family has not released further details regarding his death and has asked for privacy and understanding as they go through their period of healing.
Born on December 6, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Frankie Beverly began his music career in the 1960s with the doo-wop group The Blenders. He later formed The Butlers, a soul group that enjoyed some regional success before Beverly relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1970s. It was there that he founded Maze, a band that would go on to have a lasting impact on R&B music.
Maze’s big break came when Marvin Gaye, a fan of Beverly’s unique sound, invited the band to open for him on tour. In 1977, they released their debut album, Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly, which included hits such as “Happy Feelin’s” and “While I’m Alone.” The band became known for their smooth fusion of soul, funk, and R&B, with classic songs like “Joy and Pain,” “Before I Let Go,” and “Golden Time of Day” becoming timeless staples of the genre.
Despite never achieving massive commercial success, Frankie Beverly and Maze earned a dedicated fanbase through their soulful sound and unforgettable live performances. In 2009, his son, Anthony, organized a tribute album titled Silky Soul Music… an All-Star Tribute to Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly, featuring artists like Mary J. Blige, Babyface, and Mint Condition.
After five decades of performing, Beverly took the stage for his final concert at the Dell Music Center in North Philadelphia, a venue that had been central to his career.
Fans and fellow musicians have begun sharing tributes to the legendary artist, remembering his soothing vocals, sophisticated musicianship, and the lasting legacy he leaves behind in the world of classic soul music.