September 11, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
Frankie Beverly, the iconic musician whose band Maze provided the world with timeless anthems, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 77. His family made the announcement, sharing their sorrow with fans and the world.
Family’s Heartfelt Statement
Beverly’s family released a statement on the band’s social media accounts, expressing their deep grief. The statement began, “Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience.”
They went on to request privacy during this difficult time, asking for understanding as they navigated their feelings of sorrow, reflection, and remembrance. The family emphasized their need for solitude as they honor the memory of their beloved Howard Stanley Beverly, known to the world as Frankie Beverly.
In their touching tribute, the family wrote, “He lived his life with pure soul, and for us, no one did it better.” They highlighted Beverly’s dedication to his music, family, and friends, urging everyone to love one another as he would have wanted. The statement concluded with a heartfelt message: “Howard Stanley Beverly aka Frankie Beverly 12/6/46 – 9/10/24.”
No cause of death was provided, and CNN has reached out to Beverly’s representatives for further comment.
Frankie Beverly’s Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born in Philadelphia, Frankie Beverly’s musical journey began early. He grew up in the East Germantown section of the city and started performing as a soloist in church. As a teenager, he sang with an ensemble called The Silhouettes before forming his own doo-wop group, The Blenders.
Legend has it that Beverly changed his first name to Frankie as a tribute to singer Frankie Lymon, who achieved fame as part of the doo-wop group Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers.
The Rise of Maze
In 1970, Beverly founded the band Maze, initially known as Raw Soul. Their unique blend of soul, funk, and R&B caught the attention of the legendary singer Marvin Gaye, who invited them to tour with him as his opening act. This opportunity opened doors for years of success and a string of hits that defined Beverly’s career.
Maze, with Beverly at the helm, produced classics like “Joy and Pain,” “Golden Time of Day,” “We Are One,” and “Happy Feelin’s.” However, it was their song “Before I Let Go” that became an anthem, often regarded as the unofficial theme of summer and any joyful gathering.
“Before I Let Go”: An Anthem for Generations
“Before I Let Go” holds a special place in the hearts of many, particularly within the Black community. The song’s enduring popularity led to Beyoncé covering it for her 2019 concert film *Homecoming*. Reflecting on Beyoncé’s rendition, Beverly said, “She kept it quiet until her people called me one day…when they played it, I was blown away. This is one of the high points of my life.”
A Lifetime of Music and Achievement
Beverly and Maze continued to tour for decades, bringing their soulful music to audiences around the world. In 2012, Beverly was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the BET Awards, recognizing his significant contributions to music. Earlier this year, he announced his retirement, closing the chapter on an illustrious career that spanned over five decades.
