Singer Frankie Beverly, who led the funk and soul group Maze, has died. He was 77.
Known for his smooth vocals on songs like "Joy and Pain,” “Love is the Key,” and “Southern Girl," Beverly was a big influence on R&B music.
It was Marvin Gaye who put Maze on the map in the early 1970s, helping them release their first album in 1977.
From 1977 to 1993, Maze had nine gold albums, but the band had longevity as a cult sensation.
Beverly was still performing for live audiences as recently as July, when he finished his farewell tour in his native Philadelphia.
His family confirmed his death in a statement.
"During this time, as we are navigating feelings of sorrow, reflection, and remembrance we kindly ask for privacy and understanding, allowing us the space to grieve in our own way," the post said. "This period for 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."
"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," the post continued. "Love one another as he would want that for us all.”
One of Beverly's fans is Beyonce, who covered his hit "Before I Let Go" in 2019.
"Thank you Frankie Beverly for bringing us all together with your music. You’ve written some of the most inspiring and uplifting songs for the world to enjoy. With your lyrics, you have humanized our experiences, through joy and pain. Thank you for teaching us about the importance of community, family, and togetherness. We will never forget you. May you rest in power," she said.
Beverly sometimes expressed regret at not achieving more notoriety, but he also savored the group's special place in music.
"I wish more people did know who I was, but if it’s at the expense of me giving up this thing we have, then I just have to wait until they find out,” he told the Baltimore Sun in 1994.
"’Cause whatever we have, whatever this thing is that we seem to have a part of, it’s a cult kind of thing.”
