Frankie Beverly Dead: Soul Singer Dies at 77

Frankie Beverly, the iconic soul music pioneer, has passed away at the age of 77, as confirmed by his family. 

In a statement released on Tuesday, September 11, the Beverly family shared their sorrow, saying, “He lived his life with pure soul, as one would say, and for us, no one did it better.”

Born Howard Stanley Beverly, Frankie Beverly began his musical journey in the 1960s with bands like The Blenders and The Butlers before founding the acclaimed group Maze. Known for classics such as “Before I Let Go” and “Happy Feelin’s,” the Philadelphia native left an indelible mark on the soul genre.

The family announced the news of his passing on Instagram, requesting privacy during this difficult time. “Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience. As we navigate our sorrow, reflection, and remembrance, we ask for your understanding and respect for our need for solitude. This is a time of healing as we honor the memory of our beloved Howard Stanley Beverly, known to the world as Frankie Beverly.”

While the cause of his death was not disclosed, the family emphasized his deep love for music, family, and friends, and urged others to “love one another, as he would have wanted that for us all.”

The announcement sparked a wave of tributes on social media, with fans expressing their grief and sharing fond memories of Beverly’s impact. “He left this world just the way he may have wanted, with a farewell tour as if he knew the day was near. You will forever be in our hearts,” one user wrote in response to the family's post.

Another fan shared, “I’m 37 and play his music every day; the impact he had on Black households is unmatched. Our Saturday cleaning routines always started with his tunes. My family took us to the Houston Rodeo every year, and Maze was always the headliner. I was heartbroken when I missed his last concert. To wake up and see this news really broke my heart. Frankie Beverly was and always will be one of a kind!”