Frankie Beverly, lead singer of the “timeless” soul and funk band Maze, dies at the age of 77 | Music

Frankie Beverly, the lead singer of the soul and funk band Maze and best known for the hit “Before I Let Go,” has died, his family announced on Wednesday.

Relatives confirmed in a statement on his social media accounts that the singer died on Tuesday at the age of 77. The cause of death was not disclosed.

“He lived his life with pure soul, as you would say, and for us, no one did it better,” the family wrote. “He lived for his music, his family and his friends.”

The statement continues: “Love one another as he would have loved us all.”

Beverly was born in Philadelphia in December 1946 and began his music career in the 1960s. In 1970, he formed the soul band Maze, then known as Raw Soul. The group moved to San Francisco and soon met Marvin Gaye, who, according to Beverly’s website, took the group under his wing and was the reason for the name change to Maze.

In 1977, Maze released their debut album titled “Maze featuring Frankie Beverly” and went on to release eight more albums over the years, including the hit “Before I Let Go” and other hit singles such as “Happy Feelin’s,” “Joy and Pain,” and “We Are One,” to name a few.

Earlier this year, Beverly announced a farewell tour and played his last show in Philadelphia in July.

When he announced the tour in February, he told Billboard that he wanted to “let my lifelong fans and associates know that I’m going to tour one last time and then retire.”

“Thank you for the support I have had for over 50 years as I pass the torch of lead singer to Tony Lindsay. The band will continue as Maze Honoring Frankie Beverly. It has been a great journey through the decades. May the music of my legacy live on,” he added.

In a 2005 interview with NPR, Beverly described live music performance as “probably the most powerful form of art,” adding, “When you’re cooking, it starts cooking. It doesn’t matter how many people are in the room. It’s just something special.”

In 2019, Beyoncé covered Maze’s 1981 single “Before I Let Go” on her live album Homecoming, and in an interview with Billboard that same year, Beverly described the cover as “one of the highlights” of his life.

He said Beyoncé was a “great friend” of his and he hadn’t known beforehand that she would cover his song. “When they played it, I heard the first draft and I was completely blown away,” he said. “It’s a blessing. It’s amazing how she works, she’s very smart. I’m surprised, but in a beautiful way.”

Beverly said he met Beyoncé when she was a teenager, when she and her mother attended a Maze show at the Houston Rodeo. “She wasn’t a big hit star then, but we’ve worked together a few times since then and she’s always been very, very nice to me,” he said.

In the interview, Beverly told Billboard that the song “Before I Let Go” was about a relationship he was in at the time. “It was up and down and I ended up writing a song because I felt like I needed to get out of it,” he said.

On Wednesday, many people paid tribute to Beverly.

Singer John Legend posted a photo of Beverly on Instagram with the caption: “Let’s celebrate the life and work of the great Frankie Beverly. What I love about being an artist is that our work leaves a legacy that outlasts our time on this earth. Frankie brought so much joy to the world. His music will live on. It will always be part of our culture, an integral part of the soundtrack of our celebrations, barbecues and family gatherings. May he rest in peace.”

Singer Patti LaBelle posted a video on X of herself singing with Beverly in the audience. “I love you, Frankie!” reads the caption. “Thank you for helping us always rise higher! Rest in love and peace.”

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts described Beverly’s “timeless music,” “powerful words” and “lasting impact” in a statement released on X on Wednesday: “His legacy will live on forever. Rest in peace, my friend. Long live Frankie.”

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens also issued a statement calling Beverly’s music “the soundtrack to many of our lives.”

“Earlier this year, I had the honor of presenting him with the Phoenix Award – the City of Atlanta’s highest honor – in recognition of his timeless musical contributions and extraordinary influence on the entertainment industry,” said Dickens. “Frankie’s sold-out concerts at the Chastain Amphitheater have provided unforgettable memories for countless Atlantans and visitors from across the region.”

In the statement confirming his death on Wednesday, Beverly’s family asked for privacy during their grief.