Frankie Beverly has passed away, leaving behind a profound legacy in soul music.
Howard Stanley Beverly, a celebrated soul singer known as Frankie Beverly and the frontman of the iconic band Maze, died on Tuesday, September 10.
Beverly’s family announced the news in an Instagram post the following day, without sharing further details on his cause of death. They expressed that Beverly “lived his life with pure soul,” stating that “no one did it better” and that his passion was music, family, and friends.
The family requested privacy with a heartfelt message: “During this time, as we experience feelings of sorrow, reflection, and remembrance, we kindly ask for understanding and solitude to allow us to grieve in our own way. This is a period of healing, and your respect for our need for seclusion is appreciated as we honor the memory of our beloved Howard Stanley Beverly, known worldwide as Frankie Beverly.”
Founded by Beverly in Philadelphia in 1970 under the original name Raw Soul, Maze gained prominence starting in 1977 with their debut album, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, released under Capitol Records. They continued to release successful albums in the following years, including Golden Time of Day (1978), Inspiration (1979), and Joy and Pain (1980).
Beverly’s distinctive vocals have been sampled by a wide range of artists, prominently featured in hip-hop tracks by Nate Dogg, 2Pac, and 50 Cent, as well as in songs by electronic artists like Daft Punk and pop superstar Beyoncé.
Maze remained active until Beverly’s death. Coincidentally, 2024 was set to be the band’s farewell tour, which was scheduled to take the renowned singer and his collaborators to five cities across the United States.
We at EDM Identity extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Frankie Beverly during this difficult time.
