Frankie Beverly, the Maze singer who inspired generations of fans with enduring anthems, has died at 77

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Frankie Beverly, whose band Maze inspired generations of fans with his smooth, soulful voice and enduring anthems including “Before I Let Go,” has died. He was 77.

Beverly died Tuesday, his family said in a message on the band’s website and social media accounts. In the message, which asked for privacy, the family said, “He lived his life with a pure soul, as one would say, and for us, no one did it better.” The message did not include the cause of death or where he died.

Beverly, whose songs include “Joy and Pain,” “Love is the Key,” and “Southern Girl,” wrapped up his farewell “I Wanna Thank You Tour” in his hometown of Philadelphia in July. That same month, the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans held a special tribute to Beverly and Maze, closing the event for its first 15 years. His performance at the festival — the nation’s largest annual celebration of black culture — turned the crowd into a sea of ​​dancing fans, many of whom wore the white outfits Beverly herself often wore.

“Frankie Beverly’s artistry wasn’t just about sound; it was the thread that stitched together our collective memories and moments of joy,” the festival’s organizers said in a statement. “His melodies will forever resonate in our hearts and continue to inspire us.”

Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League and a former mayor of New Orleans, said Maze’s 1981 album, “Live In New Orleans,” cemented the city’s relationship with Beverly. Morial said he always had a front-row seat for Maze’s closing show at the festival and remembers turning around to see an audience that was “jolly as a choir” and singing every word along with Beverly.

“His music had feeling. It had positive themes of love, happiness, family and togetherness,” Morial said. “It was just electric and magical and that’s what made us fall in love with him.”

Beverly’s songs have become intertwined with celebrations in black communities. The band’s 1981 song “Before I Let Go,” covered by Beyoncé, can be heard everywhere from clubs to barbecues, and is sure to bring people to their feet.

“When the song starts, it’s time to dance,” said Hakeem Holmes, vice chairman of the Essence Festival.

He said the band’s music brings so much comfort and joy that there’s a “healing aspect” to it. And, he said, songs like “We Are One” bring people together when everyone sings along.

In an interview published in Essence magazine last summer, Beverly called music “the love of my life.” He said in the interview that he didn’t know exactly why his music appealed to all ages, but that he believed “God created a path for my music to reach every generation.”

Howard Stanley Beverly, born on December 6, 1946 in Philadelphia, was so taken with the 1950s R&B group Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers that he changed his name to Frankie.

Maze started out in Philadelphia in the early 70s as Raw Soul before moving to the San Francisco Bay Area. It was Marvin Gaye who convinced him to change the band’s name to Maze and in 1977 he helped them release their first album, “Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly.”

On the title track of his 1989 album “Silky Soul,” Beverly paid tribute to Gaye, remembering the singer who thrived on the romantic soul and protest songs that Maze was also known for.

“That kind of faith, you’re talking about the ’60s, the hippie generation,” Beverly told The Associated Press in 1990. “It’s missing, and I personally feel bad about it. We grew up in the ’60s — we’re ex-hippies.”

Among Beverly’s mourners was Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who wrote on X, “His timeless music, his powerful words and his lasting impact. I am devastated to hear this.”

Sedrick T. Thomas, 64, a New Orleans resident and lifelong fan of Beverly and his music, said Beverly’s passing “leaves a chasm in the world of R&B.”

“I find myself in mourning,” Thomas said. “Frankie was an incredible entertainer who made sure that we, as fans, went home with an incredible experience. I grew up with his music. I thank him for ‘Joy and Pain,’ for ‘Southern Girl,’ for ‘Happy Feelin’s,’ for ‘Before I Let Go.’ I thank him for the time and energy he put into his performances. And while the music will live on, he will be missed dearly.”

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Stengle reported from Dallas.

Chevel Johnson Rodrigue and Jamie Stengle, The Associated Press