Frankie Beverly, Frontman of American Soul Band Maze, Dies at 77

Frankie Beverly, the honey-coated baritone frontman for the soul and funk group Maze, has died. He was 77.

His family announced his Sept. 10 passing on Facebook Wednesday (Sept. 11). A cause of death has not been revealed.

The post, signed by The Beverly Family, reads as follows:

“Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience. 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. 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. Love one another as he would want that for us all. Howard Stanley Beverly aka Frankie Beverly; 12/6/46 – 9/10/24.”

Beverly’s death follows in the wake of his being honored at this year’s Essence Festival in July. Prior to that, he had embarked on a farewell tour, which launched March 22 in Atlanta and wrapped in Los Angeles on May 12.

Also doubling as Maze’s writer and producer, Beverly was the lead force behind a string of memorable R&B hits and fan faves that through the years became cultural and generational backdrops for many family barbecues, reunions and parties. Beginning in the late ‘70s with “While I’m Alone” and running through the mid-‘90s, the group’s musical legacy includes “Feel That You’re Feelin’,” “Southern Girl,” “Running Away,” the No. 1 singles “Back in Stride” and “Can’t Get Over You” and, of course, “Before I Go.” That 1981 hit took center stage again in 2019 when Beyoncé lovingly covered the song and included it as a bonus track on her Homecoming: The Live Album.

Maze featuring Frankie Beverly received a BET Lifetime Achievement Award at the BET Awards in July 2012.

This story first appeared on Billboard.com.